The Future of Android? Hands on with Google Glass

Google Glass is Google’s attempt to bring Android to your face. Okay, it might not look  like your phone or your tablet, but inside there’s much of the same hardware. It runs on the Android OS, has an ARM CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB ROM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a five-megapixel camera capable of recording 720p video, a screen (albeit 640x360)  and a micro USB socket for charging. So far, so familiar? What’s very different about Glass is that the screen gives you a viewing experience equivalent to a 25-inch screen from eight feet away and audio is delivered using bone conduction straight to your head. Glass uses a customised user interface optimised for use either by voice or using a touchpad built in to the right arm of the glasses.

There is also a sensor that is likely to be used to perform actions based on blinks and winks. So that’s the technology that’s inside, what is it like to use? The $1500 Google Glass arrives in a very smart box containing the Glass itself, a set of clear snap-on lenses, a set of polarised-tinted

‘sunglass’ lenses, a mono earpiece that plugs into the micro USB port (a stereo set is available for use with Google Music) and, of course, the micro USB charger. Setting up Glass is actually very easy either via the MyGlass app for Android or the Google Glass website. In the app or on the website you are prompted to sign in to your Google account and enter the Wi-Fi credentials for your location. A QR-code (2D barcode) is then displayed on screen. Simply turn on Glass by holding down the power button, put it on and when prompted on the display ‘look’ at the QR-code on your screen. Glass sees it, reads the information, connects to your Wi-Fi and sets itself up. If you are using the MyGlass app on the phone you can also pair via Bluetooth, enabling data connectivity on Glass when out and about (as well as using Glass as a Bluetooth headset). It’s all very easy to use.

As mentioned above, Glass is controlled either by voice or using the touchpad. Glass isn’t always awake and the display isn’t on all the time – either tapping a finger on the touchpad or tilting your head to a predefined angle wakes it. At this point saying ‘Okay Glass’ launches voice control where you can activate individual tasks on the device. Again, the same functionality can be achieved with finger swipes on the arm.

The ability to perform actions without using voice control is important in a noisy environment or where you just don’t want to be seen talking to your glasses. With that said, even without looking like you are talking to yourself, as a brand-new technology, Glass takes a certain level of confidence to wear it out in public. People will look at you strangely, stare, ask you questions, ask to try your glasses on and generally wonder at this technology upon your head. It’s very exciting stuff.