There seems to be some technology that may just be hype for now...but here it is. Google has something called Project Glass. They're building a prototype for an augmented reality head-mounted display, which means they're trying to develop glasses that allow you to take photos, identify objects in reality, head's-up display for your calendar, tweets, Facebook status, read text messages and emails...all by looking and using your voice.
If they can make these in prescription-ready glasses in a variety of styles, I think that the curiosity of tech-lovers will cause Project Glass to become a very popular item (just think of the Apple junkies waiting in line at the Apple store for the latest iPads and iPhones). I've already informed the Project Glass team on Google+ that I'd like to be a beta tester (as well as millions of other folks). We'll see if that really happens.
As far as optics, I'm not sure how the technology works...how it projects all of the displays, photos and videos for the wearer to see them. But some information is coming out...
According to well-informed Google blogger Seth Weintraub, Google's Project Glass glasses will probably use a transparent LCD or AMOLED display to put information in front of your eyeballs. It's location-aware thanks to a camera and GPS, and you can scroll and click on information by tilting your head, something that is apparently quite easy to master. Google Glasses will also use voice input and output.
Project Glass makes this guy happy!
The New York Times says that the glasses will run Android, will include a small screen in front of your eye and will have motion sensors, GPS and either 3G or 4G data connections. Seth Weintraub also stated that the device is designed to be a stand-alone device rather than an Android phone peripheral. Project Glass can connect to a smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 4.0 and communicates directly with the Cloud. There is also a front-facing camera and a flash, but the most recent prototype's screen isn't transparent.
The concept has me excited personally, just to see how it works and its capabilities. But the question is, do I really need something like this? The answer is probably no, because I like my current pair of eyeglasses and my Motorola Photon just fine. Do I really want people's tweets and text messages popping up in my vision every five seconds? It seems that it could be distracting from the actual reality. I'd rather have my phone in my pocket and I'll check out my messages when I'm ready.
Feel free to comment if you have any thoughts!
Thanks,
Dr. Weaver
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