Google has posted an all new video on YouTube, providing fresh details about the features of the much-anticipated Google Glass technology.
The Google Glass YouTube video débuts Google Glass in action, all from the perspective of the wearer of the augmented reality glasses.
The device was first demoed in May last year at the Google I/O conference, where Google co-founder and CEO Sergey Brin was seen wearing the Google Glass in the device’s first video premiere. The Google CEO was also seen sporting Google Glass on a New York subway train last month.
This latest video, entitled “How it feels [through Glass]”, is coupled with a new dedicated Google Glass website to showcase some of the features of the upcoming smart device.
Early access to the device was originally open to developers for $1,500 (£980), but now Google has launched a ‘Glass Explorer’ initiative, offering members of the public a chance to own the Google Glass ahead of worldwide market availability. Anyone entering the competition will have to use the hash tag #ifihadglass on Twitter or Google to tell Google what they would do if they owned Google Glass in 50 words or less.
“We’re looking for bold, creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass,” said Google. “We’d love to make everyone an Explorer, but we’re starting off a bit smaller.”
“We’re still in the early stages, and while we can’t promise everything will be perfect, we can promise it will be exciting.”
Glass Explorers will still have to purchase their own Google Glass for $1,500 (£980) plus tax, even if their application is chosen by Google.
Google Glass Features
The video reveals, as was previously thought, that voice recognition will be the primary interaction method, with a small touch pad and button mounted on the side of the glasses behind the camera. The video shows how these methods will work together to create the Google Glass experience from a user perspective.
Speaking the phrase “Okay Glass” followed by one of the pre-set phrases will direct Google Glass to take a photo, record a video, send a message, start a Google Hangout or get directions via Google Maps. Of course, these are probably just some of the features that the final version of Google Glass could offer, with the head of the Google Glass project, Babak Parviz confirming in January that Google is “experimenting with a lot of things. The feature set for the device is not set yet.”
All the features appear in the small, translucent square in the top right hand corner of the wearer’s field of vision, via a display considerably smaller than was previously seen on the device.
According to the timeline set by Google last year, Google Glass should be available for general sale by 2014.
Would you like to be seen sporting a pair of these futuristic smart glasses? Or do you think wearable smart devices like Google Glass or the rumoured Apple iWatch is a step too far? Give us your opinions via the Trusted Reviews Facebook and Twitter pages or the comment boxes below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
