In a modern take on Willy Wonka, Google has given 8,000 people in the US the chance to try its new augemented reality glasses… provided they pay $1,500 for the privilege.
The winners were selected by Google after taking part in a contest on Google+ and Twitter, which required them submit 50-word applications explaining how they would use the new technology, under the hashtag “ifihadglass”.
The winners will now have to pay $1,500 each to obtain a test version of Google Glass, and a required to travel to New York, Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay area to pick up the device, which isn’t expected to be available on the mass market until late this year or early next year.
Winning ideas
Amongst the ideas that caught Google’s eye was a winner that pledged to take Google Glass to Veteran Administration hospitals so soldiers who fought in World War II can see their memorials before they die.
Another plans to wear Google Glass during a trip to Japan so she can take video and pictures that she can share with her grandmother, who now lives in the U.S. but would like to see her native country again.
A zookeeper plans to use Google Glass to show what it’s like to feed penguins, and another contest winner wants to use the technology to provide maps that will help firefighters in emergencies.
How the glasses work
Google Glass performs similar tasks to smartphones, responding to voice commands rather than touch screens.
The glasses feature a hidden camera and tiny display screen attached to a rim above the right eye.
The firm has uploaded a new YouTube video showing the specs in action, with an interface that appears in the top right corner of the user’s vision- activated by the command “OK Glass”.
The demo video showed how Glass can be used to take pictures and record video, as well as share content directly via email or social networks.
Voice commands such as “Ok, Glass, take a picture” were used to control the device.
Other features appeared to include Skype-like video chats, and other related information such as weather reports and map directions.
All of this information appeared in a small, translucent square in the top right of the wearer’s field of vision.
The display is considerably less intrusive than previously published concept videos.
Wearable technology- the next big thing?
Google co-founder Sergey Brin was recently spotted on New York’s subway testing the device.
Wearable technology is seen as a major growth area for hardware makers in 2013 and beyond.
Other patents obtained by Sony and Microsoft allow for creation of miniature displays to go over users’ eyes.
Oakley recently launched Airwave – ski goggles with built-in sensors which provide information on an in-built screen about an owner’s speed, the size of their jumps and what music they are listening to.
Watch a video showing how Google Glass works here:
