There’s been speculation for a while about Google working on a pair of high-tech specs (not pictured above) that would literally present information right in front of your eyes. If a New York Times report is to be believed, these augmented reality glasses could be nestling neatly on our faces before the end of the year.
So who’s been talking to the NYT about Google’s spec-based project? Several employees directly involved in the enterprise, the report says, though of course they spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Android-based glasses will apparently feature a 3G or 4G data connection, GPS functionality, motion sensors and a built-in digital camera. We certainly like the sound of the built-in camera — how many times have you missed a special moment because you were fumbling around in your bag looking for your darn smartphone? Soon the camera will be on your head with the viewfinder already in place. Perfect.
The report says the camera would also be able to monitor the wearer’s surroundings in real time, overlaying useful information about, for example, the local area.
The futuristic glasses would likely work with a number of existing Google products — Google Latitude, Maps and Goggles are all mentioned in the NYT report.
According to a 9to5Google report earlier this month, the Mountain View company’s new gadget will look similar to a pair of Oakley Thumps (below), with the addition of a number of buttons located on the arms of the spectacles. The same report also suggested that the overlaid data can be scrolled through with a simple yet subtle tilt of the head. “We are told it is very quick to learn and once the user is adept at navigation, it becomes second nature and almost indistinguishable to outside users,” 9to5Google said.
It’s exciting to hear that these so-called Terminator specs could soon be a reality, though whether consumers take to them is another matter. Fancy a pair?
