Google has begun selling a prototype of its augmented reality glasses, testing under the name of ‘Project Glass’, to developers for $1,500.
The glasses feature a tiny camera, display screen and processor that fit over the upper corner, display information before a user’s eyes. The camera would allow people to transmit video or still images of what they’re seeing to others wirelessly, allowing them to see your world as you live it.
Speaking at the Google I/O conference for computer programmers in San Francisco, Google co-founder Sergey Brin said: “This is new technology and we really want you to shape it. We want to get it out into the hands of passionate people as soon as possible.”
They are not ready for sale to the public.
Google said it had been quietly working on Project Glass for two years. But until now, the outside world had only seen fanciful versions of what the glasses might be able to do.Today, Google said, they’re far enough along that programmers are invited to try them out — and come up with all sorts of ideas for how they might be used.
“Obviously capturing images and video is only one of the things a wearable computer can do,” said Brin.
To make the point, Google had parachutists jump out of a blimp over San Francisco, wearing the glasses. The 6,000 programmers and reporters at the meeting saw a live video feed from the skydivers’ glasses as they descended, landing on top of the Moscone Center where the I/O conference was taking place.
Google this spring had shown a fanciful video of Project Glass, suggesting what might be possible. Look up at the sky, and a weather forecast will appear on the little screen over your eyebrow. Head down the stairs into the subway, and the glasses will show you whether trains are on time. Walk down the street and get turn-by-turn directions. See something you’d like to share with friends, and the images your glasses shoot will go to their Google+ social-media accounts.
Brin said that’s just the beginning. Programmers can place orders at this week’s meeting, he said, and get a pair early next year. The company is counting on them to come up with new uses for a wearable computer before the glasses are sold generally.
Other announcement- Siri rival
Also at the conference, Google has launched Google Now, a virtual personal assistant that could give Apple’s Siri a run for her money.
The app will use Android 4.1 Jelly Bean’s new voice-to-text capabilities, which will be more accurate than ever.
And unlike in previous versions of Android, dictation also works without a data connection.
Google stressed that they’re adding 18 new input languages, as well as features for blind users like an external brail input, improving accessibility for those with specific needs.
Google Now can keep track of users’ search histories, calendars and more to stay up-to-date on what they might want.
In effect, a Google Now-equipped device will learn things about its user in order to serve up more relevant information.
Google Now will bring up “cards” with relevant information and notifications.
For example, it can reroute a user’s commute if it realizes there’s going to be traffic. This is done automatically.
View the official Project Glass page here.
