The Twittersphere was recently abuzz with the realization that the date Marty McFly set for his DeLorean to travel into the future was June 27th 2012 in the 1985 block buster trilogy; “Back to the Future”. The trouble, it seems, is that when we were all watching this back in 1985, we believed that the next century would hold all sorts of wonders like flying cars and hoverboards. Well, you can put your disappointment to bed because Google is about to release something so wonderful, so Star Trek-esc that you will totally forget about the dearth of flying cars. Meet Google’s Project Glass…
Google’s Project Glass is an augmented reality head-mounted display. What does that mean? It’s a pair of glasses with a computer display that shows information you could normally access on your smartphone. The applications are accessed by voice command and the headset has internet connectivity.
The device has many applications. It allows users to share their view of things with the world. The camera enables you to film your life as its happening and share via video or video conferencing. You can also use the glasses to search for information, read text messages, watch online video and post photos on social networks without having to fumble around with a hand-held device.
Developers will be able to purchase prototypes of the Project Glass headsets in early 2013. The idea is that they are then able to develop applications that make the glasses more user-friendly. The price tag for these prototypes is $1 500, but it’s hoped that the final versions (to be released in early 2014) will be more affordable. Different frames will also be available so that users with prescription lenses will be able to incorporate them into the glasses and wear them all day.
Before you rush off to buy a new tablet or smartphone, you may want to consider that this game-changing new technology may render all your handheld devices obsolete.
