Chances are good you’ve never expected to see the Internet giant Google launch a new innovation on one of Paris’ or New York’s fashion runways. Well… rest assured, we don’t expect that to happen either. And yet, Google is developing something that many of us will likely wind up wearing one day.

Wait. Before you say, “Oh no, not me. I won’t wear it!” Take a look at your wrist watch,  keep in mind that when the wrist watch was invented that’s what a lot of people said then too.

Google is developing a wearable product aptly named, “Glass.”  The Glass Project, as it’s been tagged, incorporates Google’s powerful suite of Internet  based software products into a sleek looking design, faux eye-wear. Who knew Google would have their hand in eye-wear design? Well the actuality is they don’t, Google Glass is the important technology, however the actual eye-wear is simply one of the logical platforms & user vantage points which makes this technology so enriching and intriguing. 

But this is no ordinary eye-wear; Glass incorporates some of Google’s best software features. 

“Oh great, another video camera we can strap to our head?”

No!  Google Glass is much much more; not only is it interactive Glass integrates with other features such as: maps, social, search and more.

For example (sample image below) with the directions mapping system the user can search mapping directions and view them on the tiny interface screen positioned just millimeters from the right eye without obstructing their normal field of vision.


The wearer controls Glass with vocal commands, for example: to compose & send a text message or email, place a basic phone call or, the wearer even has the option to make it a video call. Sample image below


Google Glass records stunning video and stills. And ideally, because of the intuitive design it only records after receiving a verbal command from the wearer. Take a look.

How Does Glass work and what’s the availability?

The prototype version of Glass currently requires a wireless connection to an existing Smart Phone but future versions will have built in cell phone capability. Google is also working through design matters such as incorporating Glass into a wearer’s existing eyeglasses.

They’ve packed all the electronics into a small housing currently positioned as the right temple arm piece which ultimately wraps over the top and around the backside of the ear. These electronics will shrink in size as newer technologies continue to develop.

Glass sports not only the battery pack, speaker, microphone and camera but a gyroscope and compass as well. Initial feedback suggests the screen view-able to the wearer and positioned just millimeters from the right eye fades into obscurity when the wearer is focused on other activities.

The hope is Glass will be available to the mainstream public sometime in 2014.