Can you see these becoming the latest trend in technology? Techy commentators and researchers think so; wearable technology is expected to be a major growth area for hardware makers from 2013 onwards. Juniper Research has predicted that the international market for smartware and other mobile, wearable devices could be worth more than $1.5 billion (£950 million) by 2014. Spec-tacular.
Google's Project Glass has been unveiled in a new YouTube video uploaded by Google which reveals some of the Glass’s features. It can take pics, can record videos and you can share content directly via social media or email. Skype-esque video chats, weather reports and map directions are also all features. All of these features display in a small, translucent icon in the top right hand aspect of the wearer’s view so it really isn’t obscuring much. The user can even control the Glasses with voice commands! The mind goggles.
Google have already held events for selected software writers in San Francisco and New York ahead of its official release and for $1,500 have offered the device for developers and ‘creative individuals’ to trial. The company are certainly inviting public influence; asking people to #ifihadaglass to suggest different ways of using the device: "We're looking for bold, creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass," Google said.
"We're still in the early stages and, while we can't promise everything will be perfect, we can promise it will be exciting." Three cheers for Google’s Gogs!
Competitors
But Google aren’t the only company developing these wearable devices. Several companies have shown off prototype ‘smart glasses’ at a recent Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas; Microsoft have patented some digital glasses which project info on top of the users field of vision; in 2008 Apple patented a laser based ‘head mounted display system’ while sunglasses brand Oakley recently launched Airware – ski goggles with built in sensors which relay the user’s speed, height of jumps and the music playing, onto the screen.
It’s definitely still unclear as to how these ‘reality headsets’ will go down with the masses but Google’s Glass Project is ‘expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the sector succeeds or fails’.
Not a time to be speckless, Google. (Too far?)
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