Google glass

                            Google Glass

Google Glass is a wearable, voice-controlled Android device that resembles a pair of eyeglasses and displays information directly in the user's field of vision.

Google Glass is a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display (OHMD) that is being developed by Google in the Project Glass research and development project.

Google Glass offers an augmented reality experience by using visual, audio and location-based inputs to provide relevant information. For example, upon entering an airport, a user could automatically receive flight status information. Users can also control the device manually through voice commands and a touchpad located on its frame.

OHMD and AR

Optical Head-Mounted Display (OHMD)

An OHMD is a wearable display that has the capability of reflecting 

projected images as well as allowing the user to see through it.

Augmented Reality(AR)

Augmented reality (AR) is a live, copy, view of a physical, real-world 

environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by 

computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS 

data.

E.g. Nokia City Lens

Development 

•Glass is being developed by Google X, which has worked on other 

  futuristic technologies such as driverless cars.

•Around August 2011, a Glass prototype weighed 8 pounds (3,600 g).

•Glass was initially projected to be available to the public for "around the 

  cost of current smartphones" by the end of 2012.

•The Explorer Edition is available to testers and Google I/O developers in 

  the United States for $1,500, starting in April 2013.

•The product began testing in April 2012.

•In May 2012, Glass was demonstrated in the first test video shot with the 

  eyewear, demonstrating the 720p HD first-person video recording 

  capabilities of the device.

•The new models were to be available to testers before the end of 2013.

•In October 2013, speculation emerged that Glass will be marketed in stores 

  located on floating barges that will be towed from city to city.

Features:

•     Wi-Fi

•     can tether via Bluetooth to share data connection

•     does not have built-in GPS or SMS messaging

•     can access these services through Bluetooth connection to Android devices.

•     supports Bluetooth headset profiles for use in making & receiving voice calls

What it does ?

•Accept/Reject a call

•Read/Send Text Messages and e-mails

•Take a Picture and share it.

•HD video Recording.

•GPS tracking and Navigation

•Shows reminder

•Display the weather

•Upload, View and Share Files

•Online Games

Technical specifications

•Android 4.0.4 and higher

•640×360 Himax HX7309 LCoS display

•5-megapixel camera, capable of 720p video recording

•Wi-Fi 802.11b/g

•Bluetooth

•16GB storage (12 GB available)

•Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 SoC 1.2Ghz Dual(ARMv7)

•682MB RAM

•3 axis gyroscope

•3 axis accelerometer

•3 axis magnetometer (compass)

•Ambient light sensing and proximity sensor

•Bone conduction audio transducer

Applications

Google Glass applications are free applications built by third-party 

developers. Glass also uses many existing Google applications, such 

as Google Now, Google Maps, Google+, and Gmail. Many 

developers and companies have built applications for Glass, 

including news apps, facial recognition, exercise, photo 

manipulation, translation, and sharing to social networks, such 

as Facebook and Twitter.

MyGlass

Google offers a companion Android and iOS app called MyGlass, which allows the user to configure and manage the device.^[

Voice activation

Other than the touchpad, Google Glass can be controlled using 

just "voice actions". To activate Glass, wearers tilt their heads 30° 

upward (which can be altered for preference) or simply tap the 

touchpad, and say "O.K., Glass." Once Glass is activated, wearers 

can say an action, such as "Take a picture", "Record a video", 

"Hangout with [person/Google+ circle]",

In hospitals

Augmedix developed an app for the wearable device that allows 

physicians to live-stream the patient visit and claims it will 

eliminate electronic health record problems, possibly saving them 

up to 15 hours a week and improving record quality. The 

video stream is passed to remote scribes in HIPAA secure rooms 

where the doctor-patient interaction is transcribed. 

 How it works

Technical specifications

•Android 4.0.4 and higher

•640×360 Himax HX7309 LCoS display

•5-megapixel camera, capable of 720p video recording

•Wi-Fi 802.11b/g

•Bluetooth

•16GB storage (12 GB available)

•Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 SoC 1.2Ghz 

  Dual(ARMv7)

•682MB RAM

•3 axis gyroscope

•3 axis accelerometer

•3 axis magnetometer (compass)

•Ambient light sensing and proximity sensor

•Bone conduction audio transducer

Advantages

•Glass is sleek, light and easily wearable and you won’t require 

keeping it on and off your pockets, like mobile phones.

•No Bluetooth or camera needed when Glass is on, it’ll do all for 

you.

•Glass will provide you detailed information and satisfactory 

results on your queries.

•Make phone calls, sms, emails though Google Glass, no 

smartphone required.

•Keep your calendar events, information, contacts updated on 

Glass.

•Easier navigation and maps will be provided through Glass.

•Glass will make you look hi-tech and updated on technology and 

create an impressive impact on people.

Disadvantages

• No indication while clicking pictures (like pointing the 

  camera) which almost sounds like a hidden camera trying to 

  capture a non-ready subject.

•No public privacy concern so the worry of leaking out

  information still remains.

Conclusion

Google Glass is a lightweight hands free device thashould

be worn as eye glasses. It is the next face changing

challenge to technology.Unlike smartphones or tablets

 you  don’t require putting it on and off your pocket all 

the time. Your eyes and voice is enough to operate it all 

the way.