Not to be confused with ‘Google Goggles’ – an image recognition app developed by Google – this is a ‘wearable computer with optical head-mounted display’. It is claimed that it can do anything a smartphone can – search the Internet, receive phone calls and display messages in your peripheral vision on a 1,9cm x 0,95cm x 0,95cm screen close to your brow.
The Glass can also react to voice commands and become a touch pad when stroked by your hand.
To view your messages, you simply glance up towards the screen.
Worth the effort
Google says the Glass takes a bit of getting used to – but the effort will be worth it. Farmers, for example, could use the device to take photographs in the field and email them to an expert for crop advice, or take a video while dismantling machinery. One of the great advantages of Google Glass is that it’s hands-free – a boon when you have to take a call while working on machinery and have greasy hands.
According to www. hotdigitalviews. com, Google Glass is expected to “revolutionise the digital world and bring plenty of benefits to its users”. However, the site also notes that concerns have been raised because the device can take photographs and record conversations on the move, so could therefore “violate the privacy of many people”.
Prescription spectacles
Still in the development stage, the frames do not yet have lenses fitted to them. Google is considering partnering with sunglass retailers and working on ways that the gadget can be used by those who require prescription specs.
Agriculture.com has a video of how farmers could use Google Glass – have a look at //bit.ly/gLaSs.
Meanwhile, Italian company GlassUp is working on a cheaper, more traditional-looking alternative – view them at //bit.ly/gLaSSuPAn.
