Project Glass (via Google)
Google has created for itself a fantasy lab called Google X, it has been very secretive since its opening and its location is a mystery. Very few people will ever get to see what goes on there, and we are left with our imaginations to fill the empty picture. I personally think they have robots working alongside them and little space ships cruising around. Whatever the case may be, they will be researching and producing some of the most advanced technology on the planet. The latest innovations to come out of the lab have been the fleet of self-driving cars and now an augmented reality display prototype.
Google has called the design, Project Glass, and has began distributing the prototype to employees to test out in the public. Their wearable technology is not bulky and surprisingly does not look too awkward. Google is also working on making it compatible with people who wear prescription glasses. It rests upon the right side of your head, and the display is a small glass rectangle piece.
Despite the projector's small size, the display appears big and clear. It comes equipped with a small camera capable of taking pictures and recording video. It will most likely be using Google's android operating system and will be keeping it very simple. However, it will be capable of handling almost all the tasks as a smart phone including receiving and sending messages, a GPS with real time map display, and playing music. In addition, video chatting is supported that will allow first person view for your friends, putting them right in your shoes. The new technology looks to let you share your experiences and adventures with the world.
The system can be controlled through the same voice recognition systems as those currently used by smart phones. Therefore, the whole system mimics a smart phone and may eliminate the people walking around with their eyes glued to their cell phones. There are many skeptics who think the device may be distracting. However, it looks to keep your eyes off a phone and in front of your head with transparent glass only displaying images when needed. Google has not announced when we could expect to see these devices on the market or an estimated price. The only thing for sure is that it possess the potential to replace phones and media devices. That is, if people openly accept wearing their electronics. (We all know how taboo the Bluetooth headset is these days.)
Project Glass vs. the AR Kitchen: Who wins?
AR Kitchen by Keiichi Matsuda
Eavesdropper
