Google+Glass

**Description: **
Google Glass displays information on wearable, titanium plastic glasses in a smartphone-like screen format through its Optical Head-Mounted Display (OHMD). The screen hangs out of your direct line of vision, but can be adjusted for more comfortable viewing. In essence, it allows the user to be entirely hands free, since the device is worn on your face as a pair of glasses, and is entirely voice commanded. Google Glass also allows the user to simply look up with their eyes, rather than move their head in the direction of the phone, tablet, or computer screen to view it. The screen in the upper part of the frame keeps the user updated live to their email, notifications, weather, calls, and any other application they are connected to. The audio component of Google Glass works by transferring sound to the eardrum by vibrating the skull, which is called bone conduction transfer. According to the American Chemical Society, Google Glass could potentially save lives, especially in isolated areas. For example, the used the Google Glass to test HIV and prostate-specific anitgens; the correct results were related to patient in eight seconds.

Current versions of Glass offer a display of 640x360 and a 5 megapixel camera, however the camera currently does not offer a zoom feature. The battery in Google Glass lasts about one day of usage. The device is currently not waterproof, so users must avoid stormy weather. Google Glass only comes with a right-eyed display, and as of now there are no plans to unveil a "lefty" version. However, the frame is able to fit any face with the device's adjustable nosepads. Glass has 16 GB of storage, with a 12 GB version also available, and currently comes in five colors (charcoal, tangerine, shale, cotton and sky). The release date is uncertain as of now, but many developer editions are being used by participants to test the new technology. The prospective release of the consumer model is proposed for the end of 2014.



**Applications: **
Google Glass takes the abilities of smartphones and tablets to a whole new level. Not only can the Google Glass users take pictures and record 720p HD video, but they can also share what they are seeing in real time. The Glass user can capture moments as they are seen through their eyes and are able to replay past experiences. Users can also share their videos and pictures through Google+. In addition, Glass users can verbally send texts and ask Google questions with their answer read back to them. The device also provides directions through Google Maps right before the user's eyes. Glass even brings Google Translate to life; a user can ask to have a statement translated into another language, and Google Glass will show, as well as speak, the statement in that language. Similar to the apps available on smartphones and tablets, Glass runs applications called "glasseware" on an operating system that resembles Android. Glass even has their own app store with apps that are to be used exclusively with the device. Similar to smartphones and tablets, Glass has built in wifi and Bluetooth. Unlike smartphones and tablets, however, Google Glass apps are both cost and advertisement free.

To activate Glass, users first begin by saying "OK Glass" and then continue with their command. Users can also swipe through apps and pages with the touch pad on the side of the glasses which runs form the temple to the ear. In lieu of a voice command, users can also tilt their head 30 degrees upward to activate the device. 30 degrees is the default setting, but users have the ability customize this. Google is considering partnering with sunglass retailers so customers that wish to use Google Glass with prescription or sunglasses are able to use their product. Both an Android and iOS version of the app MyGlass is available for users, allowing them to manage their Glass from their smartphone. There are also extra accessories Glass users can buy such as pouches to store their Glass and clear eye shields.



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**Related links: **

 * Main Google Glass page
 * Dos and Don'ts for Google Glass
 * Don't be a Glasshole
 * What you're NOT supposed to do
 * Woman wearing Google Glass attacked in San Fran bar:
 * [|Google lobbying to prevent anti-Glass legislation for drivers]
 * Google Glass Apps
 * [|Google Glass as Public Health Tool]