May 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Google releases demo video for Glass

Google has released a short demo video to demonstrate how the features of Google Glass worked. It was recently confirmed – although many had already assumed – that Glass runs on Android, albeit Ice Cream Sandwich rather than Jelly Bean.

The Glass interface does look nice and simple, although it would certainly take some getting used to. The first Glass shipments have begun shipping to those developers that purchased after Google I/O last year, while Eric Schmidt has recently stated that consumer availability is approximately a year away. 

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April 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Google reveals details for Google Glass

Google has officially announced the details for its much-anticipated Google Glass product. The augmented reality glasses were announced at Google I/O last year and will begin shipping shortly to early adopters. Here’s a look at the official feature list: 

  • 5MP camera with 720p video recording
  • Ajustable nosepads and durable frames to ‘fit any face’ with extra notepads in two sizes
  • High resolution display is the equivalent of a 25″ high definition screen from 8ft away 
  • Bone conduction transducer for audio 
  • WiFi 802.11 b/g
  • Bluetooth
  • 16GB storage (12GB user-accessible), synced with Google Drive
  • One day battery life with typical usage. Hangouts and video recording use more battery
  • MicroUSB for charging and data transfer
  • Compatible with any Bluetooth phone
  • The MyGlass companion app requires Android 4.0.3 (ICS) or above
  • MyGlass enables GPS and SMS messaging
  • No 3rd party aps – stated in the Google API Terms of Service
Google Glass

This is certainly an exciting feature set and a day’s worth of usage is impressive if it does indeed live up to that. There is no cellular connection so Glass will need to be tethered with the handset for internet on the go, but this is necessary for a decent amount of battery life. 

At the moment Glass is only available for select developers that signed up early on. Availability for consumers is expected by the end of the year, but will come with a hefty price tag to begin with. It’ll certainly be fascinating to watch once some real user footage starts to surface. 

Here’s another look at the promo video that Google released a couple of months ago: 

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February 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Check out the new Google Glass showreal

More POV footage of Google Glass in action

Since its announcement at Google I/O last year, details of Google Glass have been pretty scare. That’s changed today however, with Google updating its Glass page and releasing a video of Glass in action. The video is more than impressive, with a variety of use cases in some extravagant situations. The new information gives us a bit more insight into what Glass will offer and how it’s married with Google Now, although the gory technical details of its workings are still to be desired. 

Here’s a quick look at some of the main details we know of Google Glass: 

  • Spoken commands, such as take a photo or record video, are initiated with ‘OK Glass’ 
  • Conversations are two way in the sense that normal video calls are. A screen shot in the top right shows you the caller at the other end. 
  • A basic overlay of directions is provided when using Glass with navigation
  • Translations and voice dictations are supported
  • Going by the videos, the headset will be waterproof. 
  • Five different colours will be available initially: Charcoal, Tangerine, Shale, Cotton and Sky. 

For more information, see the official Google Glass page. There’s also a good write-up over at SlashGear

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November 5, 2012 By

Google Glass included in Time’s 2012 best inventions

Time.com has released its list of the best inventions of this year, which includes the forthcoming Google Glass augmented reality glasses. There are several categories, ordered by price, which range from free to $2.5 billion. Google Glass was announced (in dramatic fashion) at Google I/O earlier this year and while it is not yet available to consumers, it is likely to be one of the headline products of 2013. From Time’s list we also like the look of Enable Talk Gloves, which transcribe sign language, and the Indoor Cloud Machine. Perhaps there are a few items on the list that we’ll be taking for granted in a few years time?

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