Google Glass

Google Glass

2014 is going to bring in a slew of new technology and fun new gadgets for us to play with. And the new Google Glass is no exception.  Google Glass is a wearable computer with an an optical head mounted display (OHMD) that is being developed by Google.  Glass comes with built-in functionality for making calls, taking photos, checking the weather and getting directions, hands free, via voice commands. 

Currently the glasses themselves are lighter than the average pair of sunglasses but 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. Currently they can not be used along with prescription glasses but Google has confirmed that in the future this technology may be integrated into the display of normal eyewear. 

Camera

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

Touchpad

For the developer Explorer units:

• Android 4.0.4 and higher
• 640×360 display
• 5-megapixel camera, capable of 720p video recording
• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth
• 16GB storage (12 GB available)
• Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 SoC 1.2Ghz Dual(ARMv7)
• 682MB RAM 
• 3 axis gyroscope 
• 3 axis accelerometer 
• 3 axis magnetometer (compass)
• Ambient light sensing and proximity sensor 
• Bone conduction transducer

MyGlass App

Google offers a companion Android app called MyGlass, which allows you to configure and manage your device.

Voice activation

Other than the touchpad, Google Glass can be controlled using "voice actions". To activate Glass, wearers tilt their heads 30° upward (which can be altered for preference) or tap the touchpad, and say "O.K., Glass." Once Glass is activated, wearers can say an action, such as "Take a picture", "Record a video", "Hangout with [person/Google+ circle]", "Google 'What year was Wikipedia founded?'", "Give me directions to the Eiffel Tower", and "Send a message to John"^[ (many of these commands can be seen in a product video released in February 2013). For search results that are read back to the user, the voice response is relayed using bone conduction through a transducer that sits beside the ear, thereby rendering the sound almost inaudible to other people.