Wearables

Google shows what it's like to use Google Glass

Google shows what it's like to use Google Glass
Google gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to use Google Glass
Google gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to use Google Glass
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Glass offers voice-powered translation
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Glass offers voice-powered translation
Video chat looks even better at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
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Video chat looks even better at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Being Google, a wealth of information is at your disposal
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Being Google, a wealth of information is at your disposal
Navigation could be handy on Google Glass
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Navigation could be handy on Google Glass
The design is as fashionable as possible, but is it still too geeky for "regular" customers?
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The design is as fashionable as possible, but is it still too geeky for "regular" customers?
The design has come a long way since the early prototypes
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The design has come a long way since the early prototypes
Glass will come in a variety of colors
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Glass will come in a variety of colors
Google promises strong, flexible smart-glasses
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Google promises strong, flexible smart-glasses
Google gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to use Google Glass
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Google gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to use Google Glass
View gallery - 9 images

With smartphones and tablets firmly embedded in mainstream culture, where will the fast-moving world of technology focus its attention next? According to two of its biggest players – Apple and Google – the future is in wearable computing. Apple is reportedly developing a smartwatch, while Google has been upfront about its smart-glasses, Google Glass. But what’s it like to actually wear a pair of smart-glasses?

That was previously a mystery to anyone who hadn’t signed a blood-oath to Mountain View. But today, in a video released on Google’s Glass site, we get a new first-person glimpse of the product – that video can be seen at the bottom of this page.

Sneak peek

Navigation could be handy on Google Glass
Navigation could be handy on Google Glass

Can Google Glass be the next big thing? Judging by this video, it may have a shot. The glasses are voice-controlled, with the phrase “Okay, Glass” activating services like video chat, navigation, photography, social feeds, or search-powered Q&A.;

The interface looks polished and natural enough to forecast a future where wearable computers replace smartphones as our primary on-the-go devices.

Google’s biggest challenge in delivering Glass to the consumer market will be how you look while wearing them. The company has made Glass' design as elegant as a computer on your face can possibly be. But – as much as geeks will be salivating over them – “regular” customers may still hesitate to look like a distant cousin of Geordi La Forge on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Waiting game

You can check out Google’s full video below. Select developers already have prerelease units, while everyone else can enter at the source link for a chance to become a Google Glass "Explorer" (for US$1,500). Glass won't likely hit the market until 2014.

Source: Google Glass via 9to5Google

View gallery - 9 images
16 comments
16 comments
Fahrenheit 451
Do I want Google Glass? ABSOLUTELY!
GeoMoon5
Does the action packed lifestyle come with the glasses?
Ozuzi
Most people who would buy this already wear glasses, I wonder how you fit them both on your head
Strategic Futurist
Wearable Electronics was a concept first proposed in the Australian produced National Geographic Channel's series 'Future Matters' in 2004 where it was suggested that a) Mobile phone were dead and will be replaced by mobile computing and b) Mobile computing and communications technology will become wearable, with most of it embedded in clothing we wear everyday
Whilst we're not at that level yet, it looks like we are well on the way
Gadgeteer
Instead of something that looks like glasses without lenses, complete with nose pads, why not something like "street style" behind-the-ear headphones, with an extended, adjustable arm on one side to hold the display? That way, users would be able to wear prescription glasses or sunglasses of their choice.
Daishi
@Gadgeteer lasik and contacts. Not many people actually wear glasses to see any more.
Besides, if you can buy prescription Oakley's you could probably do the same with these. The benefit would be that if you have insurance they will cover some of the costs of picking up a pair.
I don't do this but the people I know who can afford Oakley's can do so for that reason.
Oztechi
The first issue will probably be cost;
The second will be looks;
The third battery life;
The fourth will be the way you interact with the interface, it may not always be socially appropriate to be giving commands to something other people can't see, they might think you need psychiatric help. A small wireless hand controller may help in the short term and an interface controlled by your eye movement could come later on.
Robert Kelly
i am all for toys but this thing will mess with social interactions big time. But i can see it being cool when I am paragliding and i want to get info or take a video.... but I should probbably pat attention to what i am doing and enjoy my life when i am living it.
Ozuzi
Oztechi
Sounds like you're talking about her system in the Final Fantasy movie, we just need the holographic controls
Gadgeteer
Diachi,
Quite a few people still wear glasses. Many can't tolerate contacts. Lots of people don't want to risk the often irreversible complications of laser surgery. Neither correction can compensate for presbyopia, which afflicts the vast majority of people over 45 or so.
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