Google Working on 'Terminator' Glasses and Wearable Computers

Remember when smartphones were the future? That was just a couple of years ago, but they're slowly becoming ubiquitous. They'll essentially replace 'feature' phones next year in the developed world and in the rest of the world in three to five years.

So what's the next step beyond the smartphone? Well, it seems that both Google and Apple think it's wearable computers, i.e. small, smart devices that we'll have on us all the time.

They could be watch-like devices, they could be augmented reality glasses or they could even be actually integrated into clothing.

All of these avenues and more are being explored by researchers and several companies.

Google and Apple in particular have some small teams dedicated to this type of futuristic devices, the New York Times reports.

At Google, the Google X labs, which have only recently been uncovered though not officially, are responsible for projects like this. Google X is said to be working on all manner of shoot-for-the moon projects, from driver-less cars to space elevators.

But some projects are a bit more practical and some may even be moving beyond the concept and prototype phase.

In particular, Google may be working on head-up display glasses that augment reality and provide additional information, about the surroundings or from the web.

A technology like Google Goggles, a visual search tool available to Android users but which can still be considered an early beta in many respects, would be a perfect fit for this type of glasses.

But, overall, the trend is to create smart devices that offer information, connect to the web, play music, run certain apps and so on, but which aren't smartphones.

The smartphone on the other hand will become the central hub of technology, much like a laptop or desktop is today, these smart wearable devices and others will depend or link to smartphones for enhanced functionality, processing power or connectivity.