JBD

MicroLED Industry Association member XPANCEO announced a partnership with Jade Bird Display (JBD) to develop integrated microLED displays for XPANCEO's smart contact lens platform.

It turns out the two companies have been working already on two different approaches. The first one (shown in the image above) uses a project and hologram combination, projecting an image at a distance so the eye can focus on it. XPANCEO already tested this approach with JBD's microLED projector, as an external device to the contact lens, and now the two companies are aiming to integrate the microLED projector unto the lens.

Meta announced a new AR headset, called Orion. The glasses, that Meta says costs $10,000 to produce (and will probably be sold to something like that as well) are powered by microLED microdisplays. Orion packs quite advanced technology, including Silicon Carbide lens and advanced AI, but this is of course actually a prototype device, that Meta will offer commercially to developers or (very) early adopters. The Orion glasses weigh 98 grams, which still way more than what people consider to be light weight glasses (usually under 30 grams).

It is very nice to see the adoption of microLED technology by Meta. While some speculate that these microLED displays are made in-house by Meta using the Plessey Semiconductor technology and production line, it is also known that the company gave up on that course, and others speculate that these displays are produced by JBD, and are made from 3 separate monochrome microLED panels.

Even Realities launched a new smart glasses product, called the G1 - a lightweight solution that is based on dual JBD 0.13" VGA monochrome green microdisplays.

The G1 Glasses are available for pre-order for $599 (or $749 with prescription lenses). Shipments will begin in August.

In the past year, microLED startups have raised over $200 million. As some companies (most notably Aledia and JBD in this case) mature and start to build production capacity, the need for funds grows, and we have indeed seen large investment rounds in these companies.

• Kubos Semiconductors: $2 million (May 2024)
• MICLEDI: $17 million (March 2024)
• Mojo Vision: $21.1 million (October 2023)
• Aledia: $129 million (October 2023)
• Comptek Solutions: $8.6 million (August 2023)
• QNA Technology: $4 million (August 2023)
• JBD: A4 round, estimated at $30-130 million (June 2023)

It is great to see these recent funding successes, which will hopefully lead to increased innovation and also initial production. It should be noted that most (if not all) of these financing rounds have been finalized before Apple made its decision to cancel its main microLED wearable project. We do not see Apple's decision as having a major impact on the long-term viability of microLED technologies or on the industry - but we do know that some investors are now hesitant to invest in this market following Apple's project cancellation. 

Vuzix announced that it has signed a multi-phase development contract with Garmin for next generation nano-imprinted waveguide-based display system. These systems will also use microLED microdisplay engines.

Vuzix will develop and deliver in succession, waveguide based optical systems with full custom microLED projection engines, and then ultimately production units. 

In early 2022, Vuzix launched the Shield Smart Safety Glasses based on microLED microdisplays (JBD's VGA 0.13"). The Shield, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR1 and Vuzix' propriety waveguide optics, was targeting enterprise use.

A few days ago, Vuzix announced that the Vuzix Shield smart glasses are now available to the general public, available to buy online at Vuzix's site. The company says that the Vuzix Shield is its most revolutionary pair of prescription-ready AR smart safety glasses, boasting enhanced 3D optics made possible by the stereoscopic microLED waveguide-based displays. At $2,499.99, this is still an expensive device and it is not really intended for general consumer use.

This is a guest post, by Ioannis (John) Kymissis

Micro light-emitting diode (microLED) technology is the bright young thing in the display world, literally and figuratively. Its high luminance, sharp contrast, and vivid colors, among other attributes, make this one of the most dynamic emerging technologies for next-gen display applications. We’re just beginning to see what the future holds for microLEDs and their potential impact on display and imaging capabilities.

On the Technology Fast Track 

MicroLEDs have made rapid advancements since they were first submitted for patent in 1998. The Kansas State University researchers who developed these miniaturized versions of LEDs envisioned using them in sensors, detectors, and mini-displays. But now, in just under three decades, many major display leaders and emerging companies are racing to produce and integrate the technology in everything from smartwatches to TVs to automotive displays. 

The LAWK ONE is an AR headset based on dual microLED microdisplays, aimed towards outdoor 'adventure' use, that has launched a successful crowdfunding campaign. The HMD is set to start shipping in December 2023, with a launch price of $349.

The microdisplays are JBD's 0.13" VGA green monochrome microLEDs. LAWK ONE says that the displays offer up to 1,150 nits of brightness and a 30-degrees FOV.

According to reports from China, MicroLED microdisplay developer Jade Bird Display has successfully raised its A4 strategic financing round. It is reported that together with the A3 round which closed last year, the company raised "hundreds of millions of Yuan" (which could mean anything from $30 million USD to $130 million). 

JBD's investors include Alibaba, Samsung, BYD and Geely. BYD is said to be working with JBD to develop MicroLED automotive applications.