New smartphones and tablets always create a stir. But let’s be honest: most of them are relatively minor updates. They don’t compare with the launch of an entirely new product category. That’s why there’s so much buzz around Google Glass. You get the sense that it might be something entirely new that changes the game. Today we have more info about Glass, after Google released the tech specs of its upcoming smartglasses.
Display, cameras, audio
The most important part of Glass is its display. Google vividly describes the tiny high-res screen as “the equivalent of a 25-inch high definition screen from eight feet away.” Fair enough.
In the camera department, Glass shoots 5-megapixel stills and 720p videos. Hardly mind-blowing numbers, but it’s always possible Google is using some advanced sensors that transcend its resolution.
Google had already revealed that Glass delivers audio via bone conduction.
Memory, battery, and ... nosepads!
In the storage department, Glass has 16 GB of flash memory, 12 GB of which is usable. You can also sync up with Google cloud storage.
Google estimates a full day’s use out of the battery. It adds, though, that anything involving video recording will drain it faster. No surprise there. When it does come time to charge, Google has its own microUSB cable that will be included.
You were wondering about nosepads, weren't you? Well, you’re in luck: Glass has them. In fact, Google says Glass will fit anyone’s face, and includes some spare nosepads in two sizes to make sure.
GPS, cellular, Companion app
You’ll also need a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone to use Glass (that’s where its cellular connection comes from). Google just released a MyGlass companion app for Android that enables GPS and text messaging. The MyGlass app requires Android 4.0.3 or higher.
Unless you’re one of the lucky few that snagged a pair through Google’s Explorer program, you’ll have to wait until later this year. If Glass is a must-have for you, then you might also want to start setting aside some funds as there’s a good chance that each pair will retail for more than US$1,000.
Source: Google
More / less people would buy this if they could go and see how it feels and how effective the screen is.
Quite apart from the probability that they will be banned from use whilst driving - anyway ?
Can wait to hook it up to the Samsung S4!
11th March, 2013 == @#$@#$ == ok then forget you too
This could become the next Segway - where the literati are all agog but in the real world it becomes a bit of a joke.
The Segway has had/has copycat knockoffs. A Segway design could climb stairs for the infirm and handicapped. It is out of my price range but mass production economies of scale were killed by govt. regs.
One of the many reasons why we as a nation are foundering - even when "we" come up with good ideas, only the biggest can get them past regulatory roadblocks.
Everywhere, smartphone users are choosing to type text messages to people rather than talk directly with them on the same device ... doesn't than mean something? Are all these people who love texting and tweeting for its privacy now going to start sending their tweets by talking to Glass? Not likely!