Collaborating with Marc Newson, Swarovski Optik designed AX VISIO Binoculars, which was unveiled at the CES 2024 event. It is the world’s first binocular, which supports artificial intelligence technology. AX VISIO Binocular uses high-end analog long-range optics & digital intelligence to detect more than 9,000 birds and other wildlife at just a touch of a button. It features long-range analog optics from Swarovision of Swarovski. Let’s dig into this article to learn more about this AI-supported binocular in detail.
What is in the Box:
You will get a useful set containing accessories and essentials that need to be used to start the device. These are:
- a charger and a USB charging cable that are used to power the device,
- a rechargeable battery,
- a functional side bag,
- a carrying strap,
- the instruction manual,
- objective lenses & eyepiece cover for the device’s protection
- a cleaning cloth for maintenance,
- a strap loop connector to attach securely and
- soap & a brush for thorough cleaning.
Technical Specifications Of Swarovski AX Visio Binoculars:
The company uses top-quality materials for the product. Its main frame consists of high-grade aluminum covered with a polymer housing, and provides a firm & secure grip. While the device is available in a compact design, it can easily fit in your hand.
This smart binocular comes in a 10×32 configuration at present, whereas the diopter adjustment ranges from -7 to +5. Also, its field of view is 112 m/1000 m. This AX Visio is fitted with the premium Swarovski lenses, where the percentage of light transmission is 88. The manufacturer says that it comes with an IP67 rating. You can store it safely between -30 °C and +70°C (- 22°F & +158°F).
Battery & Controls Of Swarovski AX Visio Binoculars:
It comes with a 3000 mAh battery. If you want to remove the battery, you have to open the cover on the device’s left bottom side. Several people also appreciate the easy-to-use controls. You can see three major operation buttons that are placed on this device’s top right side, which are easily reachable with your right hand’s index & middle fingers.
Swarovski AX Visio Binoculars Battery Compartment:
A selection wheel exists above the eyecups at the center camera tube’s rear end. It allows eight separate profiles for users to choose from. For instance, there are two customizable profiles that can be joined with third-party apps. A focusing knob exists above the wheel that is able to merge properly & can sit flush with your integrated camera module.
Object Identification:
This system is AX Visio’s most significant technological advancement. It lets you join your observation experience with the smart feature. Hence, the lens is used by the feature in order to detect and display the name of the recognized animal, especially a bird.
AX Visio can now recognize almost 9000 bird species and show their name. However, you can see that the list is adding more species with the progress of the software. Keep in mind that the main purpose of the system’s design is to detect birds, different kinds of mammals, and insects. Also, it helps third-party developers to create their software around this. These integrated identification systems depend on the Swarovski Optik Wildlife app. Meanwhile, the Bird ID app depends on Cornell’s model along with the learning data of the Merlin Bird app.
How to Identify an Object:
The identification process is very simple.
- Your first job is to use the selection wheel to select the identification function.
- After that, you need to use the focusing knob allowing you to focus on birds or other animals.
- Once you select the frame & use a dot symbol at the device’s top by pressing the release button, the camera will begin the task of focusing on the target object.
- You can see that a circle surrounds the object, and then the circle will be divided into four parts. Depending on the chance of detection of any object, these parts light up & become bold. When you see all of these parts becoming bold, ensure that you have successfully identified your target.
- Now, you need to press the button completely. You will see the name of the bird or your targeted object on the screen’s bottom when the identification process works. Thus, you will get the chance to identify a lot of bird species.
Compass & Shared Discoveries:
Along with the identification option, many other features exist that need to be mentioned. Swarovski AX Visio features a fully functional digital compass, which you can see on the available augmented screen during observation. Also, the device comes with a ‘share discoveries’ button, one of the new features added to this device. If you have used binoculars previously, you might have experienced a frustrating situation when you observe an object through binoculars, and then you pass it to the next person, and then you have to find creative ways to describe the exact location & position of that object.
The clever design of the product enables you to share your experience with others at the touch of a button. Hence, you only need to guide them to the observation point directly. In order to do so, you have to select the ‘share discoveries’ profile on the selection wheel. Then, you need to press the dot symbol to mark the object. After that, you can hand the binoculars to another person who wants to use them. The arrows, which will be visible on the screen, will guide the viewer until he or she reaches visual contact with the object you have observed. Thus, you can resolve an issue by sharing binoculars with another person.
The Camera & Connectivity Of Swarovski AX Visio Binoculars:
The position of the default camera is in the middle of the device. It includes a 13 MP sensor (4208 x 3120 pixels), with the help of which you are able to record films at 4K resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels). The device is equipped with 8 GB internal memory, which can store around 1,700 full-quality pictures or 60 minutes of full-quality video. In order to upload pictures, you are capable of using Merlin Bird ID, Wildlife ID, & Outdoor apps. In the mobile’s memory, a special AX Visio folder will be created. You can see all images being transferred automatically to that folder.
The Price & Availability:
The current price of this device is 4,600 €, which we can expect for a premium Swarovski device. However, it is still costly for a few recreational users. For chargers & instruments, the company provides a 3-year warranty. Whereas for the battery, it offers a one-year warranty. Depending on its build quality, it can be expected that people would not face any significant problems. However, if someone faces any issue with the binoculars, Swarovski offers a customer repair service in Absam, Austria, the manufacturing & assembling areas of these binoculars.
The Bottom Line:
In the year 2020, in order to merge classic optics with digital technology, Swarovski introduced the dG monocular. The AX Visio is built on this concept, and it serves as a successor to the dG. This model is basically the result of 5-years investment in development & construction by this company. The aim of Swarovski was to go beyond the traditional functionalities of high-precision binoculars with additional features, which is completely reflected in this product. Swarovski AX Visio comes with the ability to draw the attention of audiences. Although there are multiple functionalities, the binocular is expected to include software upgrades in the future. It is believed that the targeted audience of this device is birdwatchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you focus your Swarovski binoculars?
Your first task is to look through the left ocular using the left eye. Now, in order to focus on a selected object, you have to turn the focusing wheel. Next, you should pull the focusing outwards. After that, you have to do the same thing with your right eye.
- What makes Swarovski binoculars special?
The natural color reproduction and the picture’s intense sharpness make it special.
- Why are Swarovski binoculars so expensive?
Because of the high-end material & craftsmanship, these binoculars are costly. The company uses the best materials in their products. For instance, Swarovski uses high-density glass to deliver superior clarity & brightness.
