Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What are Google Glasses?
3.
How does Google glass work?
4.
Features of Google glasses
5.
Challenges of Google glasses
6.
FAQs
6.1.
Why was Google Glass a failure?
6.2.
Do smart glasses hurt your eyes?
6.3.
Are smart glasses safe?
7.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024
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Google glass

Author Sanjana Yadav
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Introduction

The world as we know it is changing. Today, reality and simulations are blending smoothly. Augmented reality (AR) is changing the way we see things. Recent advances in computer-mediated reality have found their way into a variety of interactive gadgets. Smart glasses are one such item that makes extensive use of this game-changing technology.

Smart glasses are often made up of a wearable computer and a display that are linked to eyeglass frames (with or without prescription lenses). They contain cutting-edge features that elevate eyeglasses to a whole new level. Google has been around since the beginning, releasing Glass to the public in 2013. Other smart glasses on the market include the Epson Moverio, Vuzix Blade, and Everysight Raptor.

The Google smart glasses, which are futuristic in concept, have been a favorite of tech fans. They can be used in the same way that a hands-free smartphone would, with capabilities that make dealing with day-to-day activities a breeze.

What are Google Glasses?

Glass is a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display that is transparent (OHMD). It provides an enriched AR experience to the user while providing useful information by combining visual, audio, and location-based inputs.

These glasses, developed by Google X (Google's "moonshot" research and development branch), adhere to the notion of ubiquitous computing. Ubiquitous computing equipment must ideally be always available and always connected.

The initial Google prototype glasses from 2013 were withdrawn from the market in 2015. Google Glass Enterprise Edition was announced in 2017. In 2019, Glass Enterprise Edition 2 was released. These later models include more advanced technology and other improvements over the prior prototype.

How does Google glass work?

The Glass OS, an operating system based on a version of Google Android, is the foundation for these smart glasses. The operating system is intended to run application virtualization tools known as Glassware, mainly designed for Google Glass.

Google Glass may be controlled in two ways. One of the approaches is to use the touchpad positioned on the rim of the glasses. You may access and explore the device's menus with a horizontal swipe of your finger. Downward swipes can cancel selections or put the glasses in sleep mode.

The second approach is to use voice instructions. A microphone included in the glasses receives commands, which are then interpreted by the CPU. These commands are part of a standard set that the device has been taught to recognize. It functions similarly to the Google Assistant on your smartphone and other smart home devices.

The information required by the user is supplied to the lens through a micro projector. Glass employs a field sequential color (FSC) liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) display to display pictures. This display takes up around 5% of the user's field of view. The display is just visible to you.

The image may be viewed in its true colors without trouble. This is because the projector uses a semi-transparent prism to direct the picture straight onto the retina. To bring the image into sharp focus, you may change the prism angle by adjusting the front component of the glasses.

These smart glasses may connect to the internet through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The camera lens on the glasses' outer edge can snap photos and record movies. A global positioning system (GPS) microchip included in the spectacles may transmit your current location through satellite signals.

Features of Google glasses

Google Glass exhibits future levels of performance because of its wearable technology and smart software. The following are some of the most notable characteristics of the original Google glasses:

Hands-free, first-person photos and video recordings: The Google eyewear camera can snap images and record films using simple voice or touch commands. This enables you to go into stealth mode if desired. You may also use Google Hangouts to communicate what you see in real-time.

Gesture control: While touch and voice instructions are used for most functions, Google Glass also detects rudimentary facial and head motions. For example, by combining eye motions and tilting your head, you may switch on the screen and do specific activities.

Google search results display: You may use Google's search engine to get whatever information you want. Google Glass will display the result instantaneously if it is linked to a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network.

Voice translation: When asked, Google Glass can provide a translation of almost any language on the lens screen.

Water and dust resistance: The new Google glasses are resistant to water and dust, making them more robust.

Third-party app integration: The glasses aren't only for Google apps. There are other third-party applications available, including The New York Times.

Google Now support: Google Now gives you real-time information depending on your present location.

Google map collaboration: These smart glasses can link with Google Maps to show directions, travel routes, and nearby points of interest.

Voice and video calls: Both voice and video calls may be made using Google glasses. During a video conversation, the person on the other end can see precisely what you see, which is a unique feature of these glasses.

Voice dictation mode: Even though the glasses are hands-free, they might assist you in sending essential emails. You can quickly type both text messages and emails with voice dictation.

Virtual reminder using visual cues: You may create task reminders by adding visual signals to specific items. The glasses may also display forthcoming events and meeting details by accessing your personal calendar.

Challenges of Google glasses

While there are many positive things to say about Google glasses, they do have some drawbacks. These attributes of the glasses had a role in their downfall in 2015. They are as follows:

Privacy concerns: The most prevalent fear regarding these glasses is the possibility of privacy invasion. Because Google Glass can take photos and record videos invisibly, it might be misused to record footage of individuals without their permission. There is also worry that face recognition applications may be able to detect and offer information about anybody within the camera range.

Safety risks: The user will undoubtedly be distracted by the information displayed on the lenses. This can pose a significant threat to the user and others around him. Wearing these glasses while driving, for example, might dramatically increase the risk of an accident.

Lack of accessibility: The high cost of Google glasses precludes many individuals from using the technology. Even if it were, the advanced technology could be too much for the average person to manage. Hearing aids are not yet compatible with Google glasses, restricting accessibility for the handicapped community.

Potential damage to the eye: Google Glasses are not a substitute for prescription eyewear. Furthermore, the mixing of pictures from both the actual and virtual worlds has the potential to cause confusion and increased eye strain.

Compromised data: Any data that is saved in the Google Glass memory is at risk. Your data and valuable information may be jeopardized if you lose your glasses.

FAQs

Why was Google Glass a failure?

One of the main reasons Google Glass failed was a lack of clarity about the product's purpose. The designers did not explicitly describe or validate what solutions Google Glass would provide for its consumers or how the glasses would be used by customers.

Do smart glasses hurt your eyes?

Some adjustments are required because Google Glass notifications are not displayed where people generally glance. In today's dose of obvious news, a Harvard optometrist claims that using Google Glass for an extended period might induce headaches and eye strain.

Are smart glasses safe?

Smart glasses have a high potential for distracting the wearer, perhaps putting oneself and others in danger, especially when driving.

Conclusion

In this article, we have extensively discussed Google glass and its features. With the help of the above discussion, we may conclude that,

  • Wearable "smart glasses," Google Glass, is a Google "moonshot" technology.
  • The device was widely panned, with complaints regarding its cost, safety, and privacy.
  • Google Glass lacked the "cool" aspect that is usually associated with successful technological product launches.

We hope that this blog has helped you enhance your knowledge of the ar/vr technologies and if you would like to learn more about AR and VR, check out our article on Passion for AR & VR leads to Snake Snack Game.

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