Google Glass was a project that Google announced in 2012 to help people use technology to explore the world around them. Many tech pundits claimed that the project would be a non-starter and never see the light of day, but two years on, the project is alive and kicking, and latest reports indicate that the weird device may reach consumers in a year or so. So what exactly is Google Glass and what do we do with it? Here are some answers.
What is Google Glass?
Simply think of Google Glass as a smartphone you wear. Yes, is a pair of spectacles that runs on smart technology. It is similar in concept to a smart watch; just that you’d be wearing it over your eyes. Google Glasses are run on battery powered heads-up display (HUD) that is built just above the right eye. The glasses don’t have lenses but let you see the world using smartphone technology.
For instance, if you wish to capture a picture, you just have to say, ok glass, take a picture and the glasses will capture that image. Similarly, if you can dictate a message while wearing the glasses and it want it sent to Andy, you say, ok glass, send a message to Andy, and it will send the message for you. That’s not all. Recording videos, providing directions, voice translation, displaying the weather and flight details, doing a Google hangout are just some of the things you can do. Google is roping in more developers to design apps that will power Google Glass to do a lot more.
Google Glass Tech Specs
Google’s officially announced tech spec sheet indicates that the device will feature a HUD display, a camera, microphone and GPS technology. It is also expected to be running on Android. Here are some noteworthy specs.
Nosepads: Nosepads with extras in two sizes along with a durable frame to fit any face.
Display: HUD display that is just as good as a 25 inch HD screen from a distance of 8 feet.
Camera: A 5MP camera and a 720p video recorder.
Audio: Bone Conduction Transducer
Connectivity: Wifi – 802.11b/g; Bluetooth
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Storage: 12GB usable memory, 16GB when synced with Google Cloud.
Battery: To last one day, but may not really happen if using battery intensive features such as Hangouts and video recording.
Charger: Micro USB cable and charger specifically designed for Glass.
Compatibility: it is expected to be compatible with any Bluetooth-capable phone.
App: MyGlass app will need Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher to enable GPS and SMS services as well as configure and manage Google Glass.
Currently Google Glasses are not compatible with regular glasses, but it is expected to come up with some sort of a prescription solution for regular wearers.
Google Glass Colors and Availability
While a date still hasn’t been set, Google Glass is expected to hit the markets at the end of this year or early next. Google has priced the device at $1,500 for developers and testers, but it is expected to be much lower for consumers.
Google Glass will be available in five colors; Cotton(white), Tangerine (orange), Shale( grey), Charcoal (black) and Sky( blue).
Google Glass is expected to use gesture controls, winks, pinches, nods, and a lot of weird moves increasing the debate on whether it is possible to wear Google Glass and behave sanely. Nevertheless it has garnered enough attention and we wait to see if the project will take flight or remain just a flight of fancy.
If you are keen to get one, you can check out this website for more details.
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