Google Glass : Know It Completely...Enjoy!!!

With so much new information 

surrounding Google Glass, we have 

completely updated this 'know 

everything' feature. 

Many of us spend a significant portion of our day glued to our smartphones, or to 

other connected devices. Reading social media or checking out the weather or 

otherwise dipping into the wealth of data at our disposal will typically consume 

all of our attention, making it hard to do anything else.

Google Glass might offer a solution to this problem, giving us a way of using the 

outboard brain of the internet while still being able to do other things. Glass 

was created, according to Google, to "be there when you need it and get out of 

your way when you don't."

The first Glass units have been with early adopters (who had to sign up to a 

lottery for the privilege) since April and Google is using this semi-public 

testing period to fine tune the device for general consumption, as well as get the 

world used to the idea of wearables.

Essentially, Google Glass is a wearable Android-powered computer built into 

spectacle frames so that you can perch a display in your field of vision, film, 

take pictures, search and translate on the go as well as run specially-designed 

apps.

Google Glass uses a miniature display to put data in front (or at least, to the 

upper right) of your vision courtesy of a prism screen. This is designed to be 

easily seen without obstructing your view.

Glass responds to voice commands as well as taps and gestures on the touch-

sensitive bar that runs along the side of the frame. You can start a search with 

"Ok Glass.." and take a photo or launch an app with a command phrase or a tap of 

your finger. Glass can also be paired with a phone using the My Glass app to allow 

quick fiddling with settings and customisation.

Google Glass runs a version of Android, so developers can easily create apps that 

take advantage of its unique display and input methods. Developers using Google's 

Mirror API, which makes it possible for apps to speak directly with a Glass 

headset, are forbidden from charging for their software or embedding ads in the 

Glass display. Google has indicated that this policy may change however.

The early Google Glass apps provide a neat glimpse into the potential of the 

headset.

You'll be able to use Google Maps to get directions although as there is no built 

in GPS receiver you'll need to tether Glass to your smartphone. Several third 

party developers have announced apps for services including Evernote, Skitch and 

Path.

The New York Times has also demoed an app that will pop up news headlines on 

request and JetBlue has suggested that it could create an app to show how much 

time was left before you had to board your flight. One developer even created an 

app (since removed by Google) to allow surreptitious taking of photos simply by 

blinking when you have something good in your sights.

Google has snapped up voice specialists DNNresearch whose voice recognition tech 

could give Glass the ability to translate words being spoken to you into your own 

language on the display. Obviously you'll need a WiFi connection or a hefty data 

plan if you're in another country, but it's certainly a neat trick if it works.

Google Glass Design

Glass is designed to be lightweight and as unobtrusive as possible. The frame will 

come with adjustable pads for comfort, and is expected to be both light and 

extremely robust. It will also have a touchpad along one arm for silent 

interaction.

If you already wear glasses, don't worry. Google is 

trialing several different designs that will enable Glass 

to be attached to e‌xisting frames. There is also the 

possibility of designer prescription glasses with Glass 

functionality built in. 

This patent might give us a glimpse of a future, more natural looking version 

of Glass.

Sunny Kabra