The Sol Reader is an innovative piece of technology that is breaking the mold of virtual reality (VR) headsets by focusing on providing a unique experience to avid readers. The company recently secured a $5 million seed round to develop a specialized VR headset exclusively designed for digital book consumption, setting itself apart from more conventional multipurpose VR devices.
Ben Chelf, CEO at Sol, expressed excitement at Apple's demonstration of future general AR/VR technology aimed at the masses, but also raised concerns about the increasing amount of time people spend with their smart devices. This prompted the creation of the Sol Reader, which is intended to address this issue by narrowing its focus to a single, essential use case - reading. By doing so, the company aims to promote a more responsible and mindful relationship with personal devices, offering a cost-effective alternative to pricier VR products from major tech giants.
The Sol Reader is currently available for pre-order at a competitive price of $350, and buyers can choose from a variety of colors. Featuring side-lit, e-ink displays similar to those found in Kindle devices, the headset is equipped with a remote and a charger, and provides around 25 hours of reading time on a full battery. The device’s 1.3-inch, e-ink displays offer per-eye resolutions of 256x256 and support 64MB of storage, ensuring ample space for books during extended reading sessions.
Designed to be user-friendly, the Sol Reader includes a built-in diopter adjustment, allowing individuals who wear glasses or contact lenses to use the device without needing additional vision correction. However, the company has not provided specific details regarding the exact adjustment range.
The startup recently closed the $5 million funding round which was led by Garry Tan (Initialized, Y Combinator) and took place around a year ago. Currently, the company is shipping 'advanced copies' (private beta) of the headset to a select group of early access testers. Full production has yet to commence, and prospective customers are encouraged to join the waiting list to secure their chance to get their hands on a pair of Sol Reader glasses.
While unconventional in its approach to VR technology, the Sol Reader’s singular focus on enhancing the reading experience may appeal to a wide audience of book lovers. As the no-code development trend continues to gain traction through platforms such as AppMaster, consumers may increasingly embrace niche, specialized products like the Sol Reader, which stands as an inspiring example of how tech companies can foster more conscious use of personal devices.
