Google Glass

Google Glass {“GLΛSS"} is a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display (OHMD) that is being developed by Google. Google Glass is an attempt to free data from desktop computers and portable devices like phones and tablets, and place it right in front of your eyes. Google Glass displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format that can communicate with the Internet via natural language voice commands.

Essentially, Google Glass is a camera, display, touchpad, battery and microphone built into spectacle frames so that you can perch a display in your field of vision, film, take pictures, search and translate on the go

While the frames do not currently have lenses fitted to them, Google is considering partnerships with sunglass retailers such as Ray-Ban or Warby Parker, and may also open retail stores to allow customers to try on the device. The Explorer Edition cannot be used by people who wear prescription glasses, but Google has confirmed that Glass will eventually work with frames and lenses that match the wearer's prescription; the glasses will be modular and therefore possibly attachable to normal prescription glasses.

Glass is being developed by Google X, which has worked on other futuristic technologies such as driverless cars. The project was announced on Google+ by Project Glass lead Babak Parviz, an electrical engineer who has also worked on putting displays into contact lenses; Steve Lee, a product manager and "geolocation specialist"; and Sebastian Thrun, who developed Udacity as well as worked on the autonomous car project. Google has patented the design of Project Glass. Thad Starner, an augmented reality expert, is a technical lead/manager on the project.

What can Google Glass do?

As well as Google's own list of features, the early apps for Google Glass provide a neat glimpse into the potential of the headset.

As well as photos and film - which require no explanation - you can use the Google hangout software to video conference with your friends and show them what you're looking at.

We'll be able to use Google Maps to get directions, although with GPS absent from the spec list, we'll need to tether Glass to your phone. Google offers the MyGlass app. This pairs your headset with an Android phone. As well as sharing GPS data, this means messages can be received, viewed on the display, and answered using the microphone and Google's voice-to-text functionality.

Google has given its Glass project a big boost by snapping up voice specialists DNNresearch.

That functionality will also bring the ability to translate the words being spoken to you into your own language on the display. Obviously you'll need a WiFi connection or a hefty data plan if you're in another country, but it's certainly a neat trick if it works.

Third parties are also already developing some rather cool/scary apps for Google Glass - including one that allows you to identify your friends in a crowd, and another that allows you to dictate an email.

Vignettes

Share what you can do with Glass. Vignettes superimpose a screenshot of your Glass display over your picture, so people can see what you see on Glass and in the world. Take a picture using Glass' camera button and tap to make vignette. Whatever is on the display when you take the picture will appear in the vignette

Play videos through search

Use Google Search to find and play videos.

Sound Search

Long press the touchpad for a Google search and swipe forward to start a sound search. Glass will listen for a moment and identify the name and artist. Alternatively, you can start a sound search by voice command. Say "ok glass, google what song is this?" from the Home menu.

Transit cards

Ditch the car and spare your feet. Now you can get your nearby mass transit directions directly on Glass.

Reminder cards

Set a reminder through Google search on your mobile phone or tablet and get reminded on your Glass timeline.

Nearby attractions

Glass will notify you of nearby attractions, say the Golden Gate Bridge or the Statue of Liberty, if you happen to stumble into their neighborhood.

Nearby photo spots

Glass will update your timeline if you're you're away from home and near a scenic vista or other notable photo spot.

News results in search

Get the latest news through a Glass search. Do a Google search from Glass on a newsworthy topic, and you'll see a dedicated news card on the subject.

Set up a Google Apps account

Those with Google Apps can now turn on the Glass service through their Admin console and set up their Glass on their Google Apps account. Most Google Apps are supported and we'll continue testing and adding services as we go. To test with us, switch your account by factory resetting your Glass through the Device info card in Settings, then set up Glass through the MyGlass website or Android app while signed in to your Google apps account.

Glass searches in search history

Searches performed on Glass are now updated in your Google search history. If you'd rather keep a search anonymous, deleting it from the timeline will also delete it from your search history. Alternatively, you can turn it off entirely from the search history website.

Remote control

If you have the MyGlass app on Android, you may have noticed you can screencast your Glass display to your phone from the MyGlass menu. Now, while you screencast, you can control Glass through your phone. Try it out by swiping your phone screen to browse your timeline.

Google Glass Technical specifications

Fit

Adjustable nosepads and durable frame fits any face. Extra nosepads in two sizes.

Camera

Google Glass has the ability to take photos and record 720p HD video. While video is recording, the screen stays on.

Audio

Bone Conduction Transducer

Storage

12 GB of usable memory, synced with Google cloud storage. 16 GB Flash total.

Touchpad

A touchpad is located on the side of Google Glass, allowing users to control the device by swiping through a timeline-like interface displayed on the screen.

Battery

One full day of typical use. Some features, like video calls and video recording, are more battery intensive.

Charger

Included Micro USB cable and charger.

FAQ

1. Is Google Glass is indestructible?

No.

Glass is robust, stable and built to fit into your life. But you might break it if you don’t handle it with care. Protect your Glass by using the pouch or another carrying case that you trust to keep Glass safe, dry, and awesome.

2. Is Glass useful everywhere?

Like everything, there is a time and a place.

It might be harder to hear Glass or use voice input commands in noisy areas, and it might be harder to see the Glass screen in bright sunlight. Also, you may be in certain places like a doctor’s office where those around you don’t feel comfortable being photographed or captured on video. Always consider your surroundings - just like you would with a cell phone. Above all, be considerate.

3. Can I use Glass while driving or bicycling?

It depends on where you are and how you use it.

As you probably know, most states have passed laws limiting the use of mobile devices while driving any motor vehicle, and most states post those rules on their department of motor vehicles websites. Read up and follow the law! Above all, even when you’re following the law, don’t hurt yourself or others by failing to pay attention to the road. The same goes for bicycling: whether or not any laws limit your use of Glass, always be careful.