As part of its ongoing collaboration with DJI, Epson has rolled out a glasses-based augmented reality (AR) drone flight simulator app, developed by Y Media Labs exclusively for the Epson Moverio BT-300 (FPV/Drone Edition) smart glasses.

According to Epson, the simulator mirrors the real-world movements of a DJI Mavic Pro, Phantom 4, Inspire 2 or Spark drone. The experience is viewed through the Epson Moverio BT-300 smart glasses and includes a fly mode and two mini-games for advanced pilots. It will be published on the Moverio Apps Market later this year but can be used today at any DJI store or most local drone retailers.

“Augmented reality is set to revolutionize the industry with the ability to create a safer, more productive flight,” says Romsin Oushana of DJI Partnerships. “The hands-free, heads-up experience delivered by the Epson Moverio BT-300 is the ideal way to experience aerial AR.”

Y Media Labs, a Silicon Valley-based creative technology agency, created the app under the direction of the DJI and Epson Moverio teams.

“This is arguably the first mainstream consumer application for augmented reality smart glasses,” says Eric Mizufuka, manager of new ventures for Epson America. “The ability to digitally paint the sky is a game-changer in the drone market and will usher in an exciting range of applications. We’ve been very impressed with DJI’s updated mobile [software development kit] and look forward to continuing to invest in new applications and partnerships in this space.”

The flight simulator is the first in a series of aerial AR apps being developed by Y Media in partnership with DJI and Epson. A full-featured AR app for the Epson Moverio smart glasses is being designed to enhance the safety, productivity and capabilities of DJI drones; it is scheduled to be launched by the end of the year.