Google Glass is now in open beta as of May 15th May 2014 and can be purchased without an invitation and costs $1500 (£890.)
Google released a video on YouTube on 13th May 2014 to celebrate the end of the closed Beta and to thank the explorers that had trust in Google to try something new before understanding exactly what Google Glass was.
The Explorers taking part have helped create the buzz surrounding Google Glass by testing the product in a variety of locations and situations showing just how versatile the product can be.
At first glance it may appear that the futuristic looking glasses have jumped straight out of Minority Report, but it’s time to start believing that the future of technology is upon us…
What is Google Glass?
Google Glass is an item of wearable technology with an optical head mounted display over the lens that displays a small visible screen much like a smartphone format.
Google Glass is being referred to as a ‘Ubiquitous Computer’ by experts within the tech industry, ambulance which is a term to describe a computing product tailored to make your life easier.
The innovative product has been developed by Google and has been in testing since April 2012 and launched in America on the 15th April 2014 for a limited time period. The closed beta launch was used to analyse the public’s reaction to the product and to measure the vast volume of products likely to be purchased at the time of the official launch.
With the high price point, many people will ask why they should invest in the newest piece of technology, however a few initial sales points before exploring the spec would be:
- On-the-go hands-free technology
- Easier way of simple computing
- Interlinks with your devices
- Fashionably accepted
- User friendly
The spec
- Google Glass has a built in storage of 16GB and is fully synced with Google’s cloud storage.
- The battery-operated screen displays a 640×360 pixel resolution, which may seem low res but Google has claimed that the quality of the display is equal to a 25-inch HD display!
- The built-in 5-megapixel camera has a 720p video capture technology that can record real time as you see it through your eyes!
- The sound works in a unique bone conduction transducer so no earphones are required with this high-tech piece of wearable technology.
- On-board battery life is expected to last ‘one full day of typical use’.
- Touchpad located on the side of the glasses with a swipe-like action to move through a timeline style interface on the screen for current and past events such as weather, calls and photos.
What does Google Glass look like?
Google glass is available in four feather-light frames in a variety of colours along with a range of different coloured ear buds to add a personal touch to your product!
Google Glass frames are designed to fit all face shapes and sizes and comes with three sets of adjustable nose pads for a comfortable fit for everyone.
Although Google Glass may look ‘futuristic’ the design has somehow managed to remain somewhat subtle and practical for everyday life and physical activities.
Google Glass is currently not compatible with regular glasses however, the newest frame to be designed is the ‘twist-on’ design for sunglasses allowing for a more flexible experience and particularly useful for prescription wearers.
“We started with five colors and an overall design that could fit a wide range of Explorers, their lifestyles and interests. Today, we’re expanding our offering to a new group of Explorers, those who wear prescription glasses and enjoy sunglasses. The four new Glass frames and three shades will give even more people the opportunity to make Glass their own.” said Google.
Be inspired
Google Glass explorers have helped inspire ways in which Google Glass can be used in everyday life and explore fantastic ways to track physical activity records in sports such as cycling, running, golf and mountain climbing.
Be inspired by how Google Glass can change your world by visiting the explorer stories here.
“We think technology should work for you—to be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don’t.” said Google.
What does it mean for the future of digital marketing?
Digital marketing agencies that design and develop for mobile devices have started to wonder what the future of design for such technology would be.
The iPhone and iPad are now responsible for a high percentage of traffic to websites previously unanticipated with marketing, however with the increasing numbers of visitors using their phones as appose to a computer the future of search traffic will be dominated by handheld devices by 2015.
Google Glass certainly has a strong market to lead into and depending on the success of the product and the future developments will depend on the future design specs!
If you do have any concerns or you are keen to ensure your website is responsive, contact Reflect Digital.
What’s next for Google Glass?
Google Glass has come out of closed beta and is now currently in open beta that means users no longer have to wait for an invitation application or the one-day sales process and can order in the US only.
After the first day of launching in America, the charcoal frame has already completely sold out (less than 24hours) and is set to be the favourite in the UK.
Google Glass plans to launch officially in the UK later this year with the same target market and audience as America so be prepared!
“This marks the next phase in the evolution of Glass as we move towards a wider consumer launch later in 2014,” says Google.
