In 1608, Hans Lippershey invented binoculars, forever changing the way we see the world. Today, more than four centuries later, Unistellar is about to revolutionize this instrument again. Think about pointing your binoculars at the sky and seeing the names of stars magically appear before your eyes, or exploring a mountain range and instantly receiving information about each peak.
With Envision, the line between reality and digital information is about to become imperceptible. Are we ready for this fusion of worlds?
The technology behind Envision
Unistellar, a French company known for its smart telescopes, has integrated the technology of augmented reality (AR) in a pair of binoculars with 50mm Nikon lenses. These binoculars connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, using the phone's GPS and other sensors to determine the user's location.
A dedicated app feeds the binoculars with information from a vast online database, which includes millions of cartographic features, from mountains to trails, from water sources to galaxies. For remote areas with limited connectivity, users can download offline maps and data in advance. A sort of "natural navigator", to orient yourself between earth and sky.
Envision binoculars, impressive recognition capabilities
Envision promises to identify over 200.000 objects in the night sky and more than a million points of interest on land. This level of detail could turn any excursion or stargazing session into an immersive educational experience.
Image: Unistellar
Innovative features
In addition to object identification, Envision offers a particularly interesting feature: a user can “lock on” a target and then pass the binoculars to someone else, who will see directional indicators that will guide them to the same target. A feature that can make observation a more social and shared experience.
If the project seems interesting to you, know that the developing company is launching the product through a Kickstarter campaign, with first deliveries scheduled for November 2025.
Smart binoculars, the future of observation
I find Envision to be an interesting example of integrating digital technology into our observing experiences. It could democratize access to astronomical and geographical knowledge, making exploration more accessible and informative for all.
Of course, seeing the glass half empty might also distract you from the sheer wonder of observing the night sky or a breathtaking landscape. Will it truly enrich our connection with the natural world or create a new digital barrier? Posterity will judge.
A new way of seeing the world
The digital world of large datasets and augmented reality is about to merge with the digital world in ways that Hans Lippershey could never have imagined four hundred years ago.
Whether it's stargazing or exploring new territory, the future of observation appears to be more information-rich than ever. The challenge will be to maintain the sense of wonder and discovery that has always characterized these activities, even in an era of instant information and augmented reality.
