The First Smart AI-supported Binoculars: Swarovski Optik AX Visio at CES 2024

In the ever-evolving realm of bird watching, enthusiasts have witnessed a fusion of technology and tradition over the past decade. Sony’s pioneering digital binoculars, capable of capturing both video and stills, marked a significant milestone. Now, the torch is passed to the Swarovski Optik AX Visio, embodying the company’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries in the field. The world’s first smart AI-supported binoculars have arrived: Swarovski Optic AX Visio.

The World’s First Smart AI-supported binoculars: Swarovski AX Visio

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, SWAROVSKI OPTIK, a global leader in sports optics manufacturing, is unveiling a groundbreaking technological marvel in 2024. Seamlessly blending high-performance analog long-range optics with digital intelligence, the world’s first smart AI-supported binoculars are the AX VISIO. Instantly transformative with a simple touch, these binoculars provide unparalleled assistance in identifying birds and other wildlife, fostering seamless sharing of discoveries, and featuring a diverse array of practical extra functions.

Shaping the Future of Nature Observation

Renowned industrial designer Marc Newson has lent his expertise to the design. He ensures a marriage of aesthetics and functionality in the AX Visio. Representing the future of nature observation, these binoculars mark a significant leap forward in the intersection of technology and outdoor exploration. Swarovski Optik AX Visio is the world’s first AI-supported binoculars.

The Official Launch and Availability

Swarovski Optik has scheduled the official launch of the AX Visio for January 8, 2024, at CES in Las Vegas. It was the world’s premier event for digital technologies. Following this debut, starting February 1, 2024, enthusiasts can acquire the AX Visio from select retailers and online at swarovskioptik.com. Prepare to witness a new era in nature observation as SWAROVSKI OPTIK continues to push the boundaries of innovation in sports optics.

Innovation and Sustainability of the First Smart AI-supported binoculars

Over approximately five years, extensive efforts have been dedicated to crafting the AX Visio, a cutting-edge binocular system comprising around 390 hardware components. At its core lies an intelligent fusion of operating and object-recognition systems. Powered by a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), it boasts lightning-fast processing capabilities for swift and accurate object identification.

Complementing its hardware prowess is the SWAROVSKI OPTIK Outdoor App, facilitating image management and sharing while serving as the hub for device settings and future updates. The AX Visio’s design ethos ensures longevity, with plans for sustained support and enhancement over the years.

Andreas Gerk elaborated, “Our commitment to sustainability extends to the analog components, upholding SWAROVSKI OPTIK’s renowned quality standards. Meanwhile, digital functionalities receive regular updates to optimize performance. Moreover, an open programming interface invites external innovators to enrich the AX Visio with novel features, fostering a dynamic ecosystem that evolves in tandem with user demands, delivering enhanced vision and information seamlessly.”

SWAROVSKI OPTIK Outdoor App and Open Programming Interface

The SWAROVSKI OPTIK Outdoor App adds an extra layer of convenience, providing a hub for users to manage, share, and stay connected with their binocular experience. From device settings to future updates, everything is seamlessly orchestrated within the app.

As the first smart AI-supported binoculars, the Swarovski Optic AX Visio stands out with its open programming interface. It invites external innovators to contribute and expand its capabilities. This collaborative approach ensures adaptability and opens the door to new functionalities. It makes the AX Visio a dynamic and ever-evolving tool for nature enthusiasts.

While not the lightest at 1,090g, these binoculars embrace a unique convergence of video-taking capabilities and intelligent subject recognition in top-tier mirrorless cameras. The prospect of seamlessly blending digital prowess with traditional bird-watching techniques raises eyebrows, and rightfully so.

The biggest technological advancement of Swarovski Optik AX Visio

The AX Visio’s most notable technological leap lies in its advanced object-identification system, elevating the observation experience by seamlessly identifying and displaying the names of recognized birds or other animals through the lens.

Swarovski Optik AX Visio quality assists with the real-time identification of more than 9,000 birds and other wildlife, and the device anticipates continuous expansion as the software evolves. The system is designed for comprehensive identification and encompasses birds, mammals, and insects. Moreover, it presents an array of opportunities for third-party developers to craft bespoke software applications. Anchored in the Swarovski Optik Wildlife app, the integrated identification systems, including the Bird ID app, leverage Cornell’s model and draw insights from the learning data of the Merlin Bird app.

Effortless Object Identification with AX Visio

Identifying objects with the Swarovski Optic AX Visio is a seamless and user-friendly process. Begin by selecting the identification function using the intuitive selection wheel. Focus on your target, be it a bird or any other object, using the precision of the focusing knob.

To initiate the identification process, select the frame and press the release button adorned with a dot symbol at the device’s top halfway in. The camera will promptly focus on the selected object, displaying a circle divided into four parts. These segments illuminate and intensify based on the probability of successful recognition. A fully bolded circle signifies a highly probable identification.

For confirmation, users press the button fully, and upon successful identification. The name of the bird, animal, or object materializes at the bottom of the screen. According to some tests, the results were notably impressive, affirming the AX Visio’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios (optics-trade.eu)

Main Specifications and Features of Swarovski Optik AX Visio

Pros and Cons of Swarovski Optik AX Visio

Pros:

1. Intelligent Subject Recognition: The standout feature of these binoculars is undoubtedly the incorporation of intelligent subject-recognition technology. It offers assistance in identifying bird species.
2. Digital Integration: Capture memorable moments with the ability to record video and stills directly from your binoculars.
3. Technological Bridge: For those transitioning from traditional to digital bird watching, the Swarovski Optik AX Visio could serve as a technological bridge.

Cons:

1. Price: The premium price tag may deter the average bird-watcher, making these binoculars more of an investment than an impulse purchase.
2. Weight: At 1,090g, these binoculars may feel a bit hefty for extended use, potentially impacting the overall comfort for some users.

For the avid birding purists, traditional binoculars may remain their weapon of choice, relying on their acquired knowledge to identify species. However, the allure of the Swarovski Optik AX Visio lies in its promise to revolutionize the bird-watching experience. Integrating intelligent subject-recognition technology hints at a new era where enthusiasts can enhance their observations with cutting-edge assistance.

Admittedly, these binoculars may be a tad too extravagant for the average bird-watcher, considering their premium price point. Yet, the prospect of effortlessly identifying birds with the aid of advanced technology adds a layer of fascination to the overall birding experience.

Q&A

Q: How does the intelligent subject recognition feature work?

The intelligent subject-recognition feature utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze bird species based on their visual characteristics. It’s designed to provide real-time assistance in identifying birds during observation.

Q: Are these binoculars suitable for beginners?

While the Swarovski Optik AX Visio offers advanced features, they might be more suitable for enthusiasts with some bird-watching experience due to their premium price point and advanced technology integration.

Q: Can the video and stills be easily transferred to other devices?

Yes, these binoculars typically come equipped with easy-to-use connectivity options. It allows users to transfer captured content seamlessly to their preferred devices for sharing or storage.

Q: What is the price?

Based on recent internet information, the price of the Swarovski Optik AX Visio binoculars is going from €4,600. Product prices can vary based on region, availability, and any promotions or changes made by the manufacturer.

Conclusion: Is It The Future of Bird Watching?

As CES 2024 unfolds, I’ll eagerly explore the show floor, keenly observing the Swarovski Optik AX Visio to verify their intriguing claims. Can they bridge the gap between traditional birding methods and the tech-driven future? Only time and hands-on exploration will reveal the extent of their impact on the world of bird watching.