14 DAY TRIAL // Google has been speaking and writing about the Glass augmented reality eyewear for about a year now, but it has never actually revealed much, if anything, about the tech specs. This has now changed.
And it isn't even an instance of one small detail making it through during an interview. Google has actually posted the specifications, right here.
First off, the display is “the equivalent of a 25 inch high definition screen from eight feet away.” The resolution isn't actually specified, but it is supposedly high.
Audio is provided by a Bone Conduction Transducer (the sound is transmitted through the skull, instead of an ear piece).
The eyewear will also have the ability to shoot video in 720p quality, thanks to the camera of 5 megapixels. This is actually one of the major perks, as we have rather expected a lower-end one.
Speaking of perks, the integrated storage capacity is considerable as well, making us wonder where all the hardware fits: 16 GB.
Sure, part of it is taken up by the software, but that still leaves owners with 12 GB that they can use for voice and video recordings, photos, etc. It is synced with Google Cloud Storage too.
And so we reach the connectivity and communications section. Google figured that it wouldn't do for Glass not to have 802.11b/g WiFi and Bluetooth, and it sneaked in a micro USB port too.
Mostly, the technologies are used for linking with smartphones or tablets, provided said mobile devices run Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher.
In fact, having a phone on one's person is required if any GPS and SMS messaging is to be accomplished, as such operations can only be carried out through the MyGlass app. An app that has to be installed and started on the tablet/phone and is available for download on the Google Play store.
Clearly, Google is moving heaven and earth to push the Glass out as soon as possible. If it manages not to let bugs slip through the cracks because of the haste, the world will become a more interesting place, although some may not like the fact that any random passers-by will be able to take pictures and videos of them.