At the Consumer Electronics Show, Swarovski Optik presented the public with a never-before seen novelty. The AX Visio binoculars, which were designed by Mike Newson, are equipped with artificial intelligence, allowing its users to recognise and identify bird and other animal species without having to look away for a second. According to Swarovski Optic, the technology is able to identify 9,000 species of birds and and other animals.
9,000 species in a pair of binoculars
— SWAROVSKI OPTIK (@SwarovskiOptik) January 8, 2024
Say WHAT? 🤯🤩 Capture and share nature's wonders 💚 with the new #AXVisio – the world’s first smart binoculars. Easily identify more than 9,000 birds and animals at a simple touch of a button 😍. Intrigued? ➡️ https://t.co/V67bhQUAQq pic.twitter.com/RFWonqACux
When looking through the binoculars, users will be able to see species information displayed directly on the image in front of them, meaning they won’t have to consult any books or internet sources while bird watching, wildlife observing or even hunting. Even though the binoculars can be used in manual mode too, one simple push on the button suffices to activate the AI-mode and start the identification process.
Moreover, the binoculars also dispose of an integrated camera, allowing users to take pictures or videos while on their nature discovery adventure. The binoculars can also mark the exact location of an animal, making spotting them again very easy when the device is shared from one person to another.
The AX Visio’s added value for users consists of a real viewing experience that is enhanced with digital input.
Andreas Gerk, Swarovski Optik chief technology and operations officer
The AX Visio binoculars were designed by Mike Newson, a celebrated industrial designer who previously developed another pair of binoculars for Swarovski Optik, the CL Curio. Even for him, the design of the product was a challenge. “It’s rare for a designer to work on something that is the first product within a category, which is naturally exciting and suffice to say, challenging. Binoculars are traditionally solely analogue objects, which, while compelling and ‘future proof’, are essentially bi-dimensional”, Newson said. “The AX Visio belongs to a different typology, and one that is totally new in the combination of optics and technology. Similar to a modern camera, they are optical, electronic and digital.”
Despite all the technology integrated in the binoculars, user experience was an important aspect to keep in mind while designing. “I wanted them to feel approachable and usable. The inclination when designing high-performance items tends for them to be purposefully complex, and I was hoping to create something that was the opposite — intuitive and inviting”, explained Newson. “The three-scope construction is an obvious visual departure from other binoculars, and this encompasses the solid hinge and bridge detail, joining the dots between the three lenses. This structure took a significant amount of time to rationalise — and manufacturing expertise to realise.”
Just like all other Swarovski Optik binoculars, the AX Visio can be taken apart and repaired in case of defects. Moreover, those who buy the gadget will be able to download software updates through the app, meaning the binoculars should be able to last for years.
