I wasn't supposed to post much activity this week because I'm focusing on other things. But BREAKING NEWS PEOPLE! I noticed no one, not one blog has told me anything about the Google Glass and its genius. Not a one! I had to hear from Sparknotes! So anyway, what on earth am I talking about? Well, I feel like I should switch to becoming a tech-niche blogger because seriously, I have to tell you this? Read more!
What is Google Glass?
It's a wearable computer with head mounted display and wearable camera that can do augmented reality. It is being developed by Google as Project Glass in research and development.Google Glass displays information in a smartphone-like format hands-free, and can interact with the Internet via natural language voice commands. Check out the video to see what I'm talking about:
The Design
The eyewear's functionality and minimalist appearance (aluminium strip with 2 nose pads) has been compared to Steve Mann's EyeTap, also known as "Glass" or "Digital Eye Glass" although Google Glass is a Generation-1 Glass (as compared to EyeTap which is a Generation-4 Glass).
The Features
Pictures, video, GPS, messages, online, translate, find information, GOOGLE things :D there's not much information released except what you can find in the video. But those are pretty neat, huh?
| Feature | Voice activation text |
|---|---|
| Record video | "ok glass, record a video." |
| Take picture | "ok glass, take a picture." |
| Start Google+ hangout | "ok glass, hang out with [person/circle]." |
| Search | "ok glass, google [search query]"." |
| Search photos | "ok glass, google photos of [search query]." |
| Translate | "ok glass, say [text] in [language]." |
| Give directions | "ok glass, give directions to [search query]." |
| Use Google Now | "ok glass, [question] |
| Send message | "ok glass, send a message to "[name]"." |
| Give flight details | unknown |
[ from Wikipedia ]
Explorer Program
An early adopter strategy called the Explorer program is available for developers and consumers to test Google Glass, and it will also gauge how people will want to use Glass. Entry into the Glass Explorer program was made available to the general public on February 20th, 2013 through the use of social media, specifically Twitter and Google+. People were asked provide input on how they would use Glass if given the chance. The contest ran until February 27th, 2013. Google plans to choose the best entries from the contest and each of the winners will be contacted and invited to become a Glass Explorer. The Explorer edition receives data through Wi-Fi, or it can tether via Bluetooth to an Android device or iPhone and use its 3G or 4G data; the Glass also has a GPS chip. The Explorer edition is available in Charcoal, Tangerine, Shale, Cotton, and Sky colors. Users issue voice commands by first saying "okay glass", then the command, or they can scroll through the options using a finger along the side of the device. The Explorer edition has an interchangeable sunglasses accessory which twists on or off easily. Monthly updates to the Glass are planned after the program starts.
In sum: My and Other Web People's Response
People have been dissing and making fun of the Google Glass but I'd like to see them try to make this baby possible. To make a COMPUTER so light, so small is tricky as walking on the moon itself. Hard, but definitely doable. I greatly commend Google for trying this! Though I am also afraid because it can destroy us, the relationships we have and possibly our brains and bodies as well (too much YA Sci-Fi?)
This is definitely paving way to a more innovative approach to technology and design. It feels as if it was only last year that they released "smart phones", then the "tablet" and of course, my new favorite "phablets". It wasn't only last year yet our innovations are piling up faster than comet Halley's next visit. Contrary to the majority's info, these attempts have lasted for a while, Anthony tells me that pilots have something similar on their screens which allows them to make split second decisions and automobile companies (Toyota, Mercedes Benz to name a few) have also associated this with their products. But it is the first time it's going mainstream. And sci-fiction dystopian readers including myself can finally stop imagining these technological advancements, but witness them predispose bigger things to come (probably even bigger than holograms, people). On a more Biblical note, this would make Revelation 1:7 look like it's going to be fulfilled sooner. Are we ready?
[ theverge tried it out, yeah with shades ]
And lastly, I know what you're thinking.
When and How Much?
Developers get to try it out for a shining $1,500 in 2014. Ouch, and woah. It'll be year 2038 before I get my hands on them, but hey I'll be happy if some of you can :D
[ co-founder of Google, Sergey Brin, previews Google Glass in 2012 ]
my bro introduced me this glasses last year, but not being a techno buff , I don't even cared at all. like, ok, that's nice. :P facing the fact that i can't have such :P
ReplyDeleteMyxilog
Nobody said anything! So I had to snoop around for myself! LOL why didnt you say anything? *NERD ATTACK* off to read more sci-fi dystopias~
Deletewell, you have a point :P in case you'll have that, don't forget me, i'll borrow. haha!
DeleteI would love to have one of these, too! :P but it's too expensive and the possibility of it becoming affordable is still quite far :( We'll see what happens in the future :)
ReplyDeleteHavent't heard of this too, very interesting but I think its going to cost quite a bomb
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment! Keep in touch! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, that is super high-tech to me lol! I'm sure you'd look ultra cool in them :) P.S. Kip is a Westie.
ReplyDeleteHahaha you crazy gal :D They are pretty cool, bur I'm more waiting for the Oculus! They bring Virtual reality to a whole new level O_O
ReplyDeleteThey seem interesting . But so tech-o as well .
ReplyDeleteNoor @ Noor's Place