Google Specs

GOOGLE gave the world a peep into their latest online and real world vision, Project Glass, confirming rumours of the two-year ongoing project. The internet-tinted glasses, designed to allow users explore through the Terminator-esque style specs, is set to start off a trend in the world of tech.

“We think technology should work for you — be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don’t,” members of the project team said in a Google+ post.

“A group of us from Google X (Labs) started Project Glass to build this kind of technology; one that helps you explore and share your world.”

Built-in microphones let wearers command the internet-linked glasses by speaking.

“We took a few design photos to show what this technology could look like and created a video to demonstrate what it might enable you to do,” Google said, stressing that the glasses were a concept far from being brought to market.

“We’re sharing this information now because we want to start a conversation and learn from your valuable input.”
Images showed people wearing eyeglasses with stylish silver frames that featured tiny cameras and on-lens displays to discretely show information such as walking directions, weather forecasts or messages from friends. It’s believed to run on Android software with 3G or 4G data connection, along with motion sensors and GPS navigation.

In a post on Google Plus, the trio said: “We’re sharing this information now because we want to start a conversation and learn from your valuable input. Please follow along as we share some of our ideas and stories. We’d love to hear yours, too. What would you like to see from Project Glass?”

One person who had used the glasses said: “They let technology get out of your way. If I want to take a picture I don’t have to reach into my pocket and take out my phone; I just press a button at the top of the glasses and that’s it.”

The release of the prototype has also raised the possibility of a virtual reality contact lens being developed in the future, reports the Telegraph. The glasses will not go on sale until later this year, but Google employees will be testing them in public over the next few months.

The New York Times suggested they could cost between $250-$500 (£160-£320).