Google Glass!

BY: Leonard Long

Google Glass is a new technology and product developed by Google Inc as a part of its research project Project Glass. It is described as a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display (OHMD). Google Glass displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format, that can communicate with the Internet via natural language voice commands. 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. Glass is being developed by Google X, which has worked on other futuristic technologies such as driverless cars. Around August 2011, a Glass prototype weighed 8 pounds (3,600 g); the device is now lighter than the average pair of sunglasses.^[1] In the future, new designs may allow integration of the display into people's normal eyewear.

The Explorer Edition is available to testers and Google I/O developers in the United States for $1,500, starting in April 2013, while a consumer version will be available later 2014 for a rumored price of around $600.

The Google Glass is a very cool and innovative device that has features like an automated clock, built-in camera that can record videos and take pictures, and share them on command. These are only a couple features, more can be seen at:www.google.com/glass/start/what-it-does/.

Some concerns have been raised regarding legality of the Glass in a number of countries, particularly in Russia, Ukraine, and other post-USSR countries. In February 2013, a Google+ user noticed legal issues with Glass and posted in the Glass Explorers community about the issues, stating that the device may be illegal to use according to the current legislation in Russia and Ukraine, which prohibits use of spy gadgets that can record video, audio or take photographs in an inconspicuous manner.

In the US, the West Virginia Legislature has proposed a bill, which would ban the use of Google Glass while driving. The bill describes the device as a “wearable computer with head mounted display,” despite its common use by many as prescription glasses.

Google Glass is updated monthly by developers but has still been facing problems with security and hackers have been successful with jail-breaking the current models. It will be interesting to see how the product develops and the reception it will get when released to the general public.

Google Glass: Specs

Fit 
•    Adjustable nosepads and durable frame fits any face.
•    Extra nosepads in two sizes.
Display
•    High resolution display is the equivalent of a 25 inch high definition screen from eight feet away.
Camera
•    Photos - 5 MP
•    Videos - 720p
Audio
•    Bone Conduction Transducer
Connectivity
•    Wifi - 802.11b/g
•    Bluetooth
Storage
•    12 GB of usable memory, synced with Google cloud storage. 16 GB Flash total.
Battery
•    One full day of typical use. Some features, like Hangouts and video recording, are more battery intensive.
Charger
•    Included Micro USB cable and charger.
•    While there are thousands of Micro USB chargers out there, Glass is designed and tested with the included charger in mind. Use it and preserve long and prosperous Glass use.
Compatibility
•    Any Bluetooth-capable phone.
•    The MyGlass companion app requires Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher. MyGlass enables GPS and SMS messaging.

 

How it Feels [through Google Glass]

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1uyQZNg2vE

Google Glass New Controversy

“Since the first announcement of Google Glass, new controversies over the technology’s place in our society have raised many concerns over privacy. Some argue that the device is insecure and could pose a serious threat to the users security systems.”

http://guardianlv.com/2014/02/google-glass-new-controversy/

Police Eye Google Glass as Surveillance Tool

“The wearable computer allowed the officer to record everything he was seeing for future reference, and because it was also linked to the department’s video system, it let his bosses back at the police station monitor how the traffic stop was going in real time.”

http://nation.time.com/2014/02/17/police-eye-google-glass-as-surveillance-tool/