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Google Glass

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Google Glass
File:ProjectGlass.jpg
Project Glass logo
DeveloperGoogle
TypeAugmented reality, head-mounted display
Release dateDevelopers (US): early 2013 (early 2013)[1]
Consumers: Q4 2013 (Q4 2013)[2]
Introductory priceDeveloper version: $1,500 USD[1]
Websitegoogle.com/glass
A photo of a Google Glass prototype seen at Google I/O in June 2012

Google Glass (stylized simply as GLASS) is an augmented reality wearable computer with a head-mounted display (HMD) that is being developed by Google in the Project Glass research and development project.[3] It takes a step further toward ubiquitous computing, which is the idea that the Internet and computers will be accessible anywhere at any time without having to use one's hands.[4] Google Glass displays information in a smartphone-like format hands-free,[5] can interact with the Internet via natural language voice commands,[6] and uses Google's Android operating system.[7] While the frames do not currently have lenses fitted to them, Google is considering partnering with sunglass retailers such as Ray-Ban or Warby Parker, and may also open retail stores to allow customers to try on the device.[4]

Glass is being developed by Google X Lab,[8] which has worked on other futuristic technologies such as driverless cars. The project was announced on Google+ by Project Glass lead Babak Parviz, an electrical engineer who has also worked on putting displays into contact lenses; Steve Lee, a project manager and "geolocation specialist"; and Sebastian Thrun, who developed Udacity as well as worked on the self-driving car project.[9] Google has patented the design of Project Glass.[10][11] Thad Starner is a Technical/Lead Manager on the project.[12] Isabelle Olsson, Industrial Designer of the product, is responsible for a number of the design decisions, such as the Glass color scheme.[2]

Development

Though head-worn displays for augmented reality are not a new idea, the project has drawn media attention[13] primarily due to its backing by Google, as well as the prototype design, which is smaller and slimmer than previous designs for head-mounted displays.[14] The first Glass demo resembles a pair of normal eyeglasses where the lens is replaced by a head-up display.[15] Around August 2011, a Glass prototype weighed 8 pounds; the device is now lighter than the average pair of sunglasses.[4] In the future, new designs may allow integration of the display into people's normal eyewear.[7][16]

According to several Google employees, the Glass was originally predicted to be available to the public for "around the cost of current smartphones" by the end of 2012,[17] but other reports stated that the Glass was not expected to be available for purchase by then.[18][19][20]

The Explorer Edition is available to testers and Google I/O developers in the United States for $1,500, to be delivered in early 2013,[1] while a consumer version will be available by the end of 2013 for "significantly less" than the Explorer Edition.[21][22]

The product began testing in April 2012.[23] Sergey Brin wore a prototype of the Glass to an April 5, 2012 Foundation Fighting Blindness event in San Francisco.[24][25] In May 2012, Glass was demoed in the first test video shot with the eyewear, demoing the 720p HD first-person video recording capabilities of the augmented reality display.[26] Sergey Brin demoed the Glass on The Gavin Newsom Show, and California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom also wore the Glass.[27] On June 27, 2012, he also demoed the Glass at Google I/O where skydivers, abseilers, and mountain bikers wore the Glass and live streamed their point of view to a Google+ Hangout, which was also shown live at the Google I/O presentation.[28] In February 2013, Google released a demo video showcasing the voice-augmented display of the Glass filming various experiences in first-person.[29][30]

Explorer program

An early adopter program named the Glass 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 20, 2013, and ended on February 27, 2013. The program stated that it was looking for "bold, creative individuals" who wanted to test the device. Those who wanted to apply were required to post a message on Google+ or Twitter consisting of 50 words or less, featuring the hashtag #ifihadglass. Those who were selected must attend a Google Glass event in either New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles to pick up the device.[4] 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.[31] Users issue voice commands by first saying "ok 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.[2]

One apparent test subject put Glass up for auction on eBay in advance of receiving the hardware. Bidding had reached US $16,000 for the $1,500 device before it was removed because the seller could not prove possession.[32]

Features

Photography and video

Google Glass has the ability to take photos and record 720p HD video. While video is recording, a recording light is displayed above the eye, which is unnoticeable to the wearer.[33]

Google applications

Glass will utilize many already-existing Google applications, such as Google Now and Google Maps. The device will also be able to display the weather.[2]

Voice commands

Multiple features of Glass can be seen in a product video released in February 2013:[30]

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]."[34]
Send message "ok, glass, send a message to [name]."
Display weather unknown
Give flight details unknown

Reception

In general, reception for Google Glass has been positive in the technology industry.[citation needed] There have been parodies and criticisms aimed at the general notion of augmented reality glasses, ranging from the potential for Google to insert advertising (its main source of revenue) to more dystopian outcomes.[citation needed] However, Google has stated they have no plans to insert advertising.[35][36]

The eyewear's functionality and minimalist appearance (aluminium strip with 2 nose pads) has been compared to Steve Mann's EyeTap,[37] also known as "Glass" or "Digital Eye Glass", although Google Glass is a "Generation-1 Glass" compared to EyeTap, which is a "Generation-4 Glass".[38] According to Mann, both devices affect both privacy and secrecy by introducing a two-sided surveillance and sousveillance.[39]

Concerns have been raised regarding intrusion of privacy.[32][40] Privacy advocates are concerned that people wearing such eyewear may be able to identify strangers in public using facial recognition, or surreptitiously record and broadcast private conversations,[4] although there has never been a guarantee of privacy in public locations.

After a visit to the University of Cambridge by Google's chairman Eric Schmidt, Wolfson College professor[41] John Naughton invoked the name of hardware and networking pioneer Douglas Engelbart in praise of Glass. Naughton wrote that Engelbart believed that machines "should do what machines do best, thereby freeing up humans to do what they do best".[42]

At designer Diane von Furstenberg's spring 2012 fashion at New York Fashion Week, models wore Google Glasses down the runway, filming the audience.[43]

In November 2012, Glass received recognition by Time Magazine as one of the "Best Inventions of the Year 2012", alongside inventions such as the Curiosity Rover.[44]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Mack, Eric (28 June 2012). "Brin: Google Glass lands for consumers in 2014". CBS Interactive. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d Topolsky, Joshua (22 February 2013). "I used Google Glass: the future, with monthly updates". The Verge. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  3. ^ Goldman, David (4 April 2012). "Google unveils 'Project Glass' virtual-reality glasses". Money. CNN. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d e Miller, Claire Cain (20 February 2013). "Google Searches for Style". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
  5. ^ Albanesius, Chloe (4 April 2012). "Google 'Project Glass' Replaces the Smartphone With Glasses". PC Magazine. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
  6. ^ Newman, Jared (4 April 2012). "Google's 'Project Glass' Teases Augmented Reality Glasses". PC World. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
  7. ^ a b Bilton, Nick (23 February 2012). "Behind the Google Goggles, Virtual Reality". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
  8. ^ Velazco, Chris (4 April 2012). "Google's 'Project Glass' Augmented Reality Glasses Are Real and in Testing". TechCrunch. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
  9. ^ Tsukayama, Hayley (5 April 2012). "Google's Project Glass engineers: Who are they?". The Washington Post. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  10. ^ Tibken, Shara (21 February 2013). "Google Glass patent application gets really technical". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  11. ^ "Google patents augmented reality Project Glass design". BBC. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  12. ^ Starner, Thad. "Thad Starner". Georgia Institute of Technology College of Computing. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  13. ^ Bilton, Nick (5 April 2012). "A Rose-Colored View May Come Standard". New York Times.
  14. ^ Houston, Thomas (4 April 2012). "Google's Project Glass augmented reality glasses begin testing". The Verge. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
  15. ^ Hatmaker, Taylor (4 April 2012). "Google shows off Project Glass". USA Today.
  16. ^ Levy, Steven (4 April 2012). "Google Gets Transparent With Glass, Its Augmented Reality Project". Wired.com. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
  17. ^ Bilton, Nick (21 February 2012). "Google to Sell Heads-Up Display Glasses by Year's End". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  18. ^ Gannes, Liz (4 April 2012). "Google Unveils Project Glass: Wearable Augmented-Reality Glasses". All Things Digital. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
  19. ^ Knight, Jemimah. "Think Google Project glass is sci-fi? This developer hacked it together". The Next Web. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
  20. ^ Davies, Chris (10 April 2012). "DIY Project Glass makes Google's AR vision real". SlashGear. Retrieved 14 April 2012.
  21. ^ Rahn, Cornelius (28 June 2012). "Google's Brin To Offer Eyeglass Computers To Consumers By 2014". Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  22. ^ Coldewey, Devin (23 February 2013). "Google Glass to launch this year for under $1,500". NBC News.com Gadgetbox. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
  23. ^ "Google Glasses Sound As Crazy As Smartphones And Tablets Once Did". Forbes. 5 April 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  24. ^ Hubbard, Amy (6 April 2012). "Augmented reality glasses debut on Google co-founder's face". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  25. ^ Bohn, Dieter (6 April 2012). "Google's Sergey Brin takes Project Glass into the wild". The Verge. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
  26. ^ "First Google Project Glass video released via Google+". Future plc. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  27. ^ Baldwin, Roberto (29 May 2012). "Sergey Brin Finally Lets Someone Else Wear Google Glass ¦ Gadget Lab ¦ Wired.com". Wired. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  28. ^ Velazco, Chris (27 June 2012). "Google Wins The Internet With A Live Skydiving Demo Of Google Glass (Now With Video!)". Techcrunch. AOL. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
  29. ^ Shanklin, Will (20 February 2013). "Google shows what it's like to use Google Glass". Gizmag.com. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  30. ^ a b "How It Feels [through Glass]". Google. YouTube. 20 February 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  31. ^ "Google Glass - What It Does". Google. Retrieved 2013-03-02.
  32. ^ a b Arthur, Charles (6 March 2013). "Google Glass: is it a threat to our privacy?". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
  33. ^ Trenholm, Rich (28 February 2013). "Google Glass spotted at MWC". CNET. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  34. ^ "Google Glass - What It Does". Google. Retrieved 2013-02-28.
  35. ^ Dvorak, John C. (6 April 2012). "Google's Project Glass Is Really Really Great...For Porn". PC Magazine. Retrieved 8 April 2012.
  36. ^ Hubbard, Amy (6 April 2012). "Sergey Brin wears Project Glass; Google specs spur fear, punch lines". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  37. ^ Miller, Paul (June 26, 2012). "Project Glass and the epic history of wearable computers". The Verge.
  38. ^ Mann, Steve (2013). "Steve Mann: My "Augmediated" Life". IEEE Spectrum. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  39. ^ Mann, Steve (2 November 2012). "Eye Am a Camera: Surveillance and Sousveillance in the Glassage". Time. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
  40. ^ Marshall, Gary (1 March 2013). "Google Glass: say goodbye to your privacy". techradar.com. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
  41. ^ "Humanitas Visiting Professorship in Media", Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities webpage, n.d. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
  42. ^ Naughton, John, "Google Glass? You have to applaud their vision", The Guardian, 23 February 2013. Naughton served on the Humanitas Visiting Professorship Standing Committee 2010-12, per the Cambridge program webpage. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
  43. ^ Kelly, Meghan (13 September 2012). "Google Project Glass releases video with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg". VentureBeat. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
  44. ^ "Best Inventions of the Year 2012 - Google Glass". Time Inc. 23 November 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2012.

External links

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