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Future phones will have security measures built into the glass
The glass on your smartphone screen doesn't do a lot right now: it lets pictures and touch input get through, and that's about it. It may pick up a few extra talents in the future, though. Researchers at Polytechnique Montreal have developed sensors that can sit under the surface of the scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass used in many mobile devices. Their approach etches optical waveguides into the display, letting it track changes in light. As a result, the screen can do things that would normally require either wiring or dedicated sensors. Your phone could check its temperature using light, and the manufacturer could even embed a unique optical pattern into the glass that lets the phone identify itself; it might get much harder to clone a device (and, presumably, its information).
Google Glass update serves up World Cup scores and faster photo sharing
Google Glass is about to get a handful of updates that should be especially helpful this summer. To start, it should be easier to share Glass photos from your vacation; a new MyGlass app for Android (iOS is due later) will surface your most recent snapshots. An upgrade to Glass itself, meanwhile, lets you keep tabs on World Cup matches and group standings. It should be simpler to find your parking spot and track packages, too. Google hasn't said when all the updates will roll out to its smart eyewear, but it expects the MyGlass update to hit later this week -- hopefully, in time for the World Cup's June 12th kickoff. [Top image credit: Miguel Tovar/STF via Getty Images]
Baby steps toward better wearables at Computex 2014
Google's latched on to Diane von Fürstenberg as the solution for making Glass fashion-forward, unveiling a collection of frames made by the famed Belgian designer last week. While it remains to be seen whether trendy-colored frames can make a $1,500 wearable more appealing, a few smaller companies here at Computex in Taiwan have some novel ideas that could make you more willing to strap a mini-computer on your face... or your wrist.
SiME Google Glass knock-off is held together with Scotch Tape
It's not exactly a good sign when your product's being held together with Scotch Tape. But that's actually one of the main points of distinction between the SiME Smart Glass and Google's version of the wearable -- that and a much lower price point, of course. Taiwanese company ChipSip hopes to sell its Google Glass knock-off for $500, and though that seems palatable compared to $1,500, it's still not cheap. That price is even harder to swallow when you see just how complicated it is to use, as we discovered on the Computex show floor.
Google Glass test update lets you see notifications by shifting your eyes
If you've worn Google Glass, you know that it can be a pain to tilt your head back every time you want to check a missed alert. You might not have to move so awkwardly in the future, though. Google has posted an as yet unannounced Glass update with an experimental "notification glance" feature. As it implies, you only have to point your eyes toward the display to turn it on and see a recent notification. The catch? Right now, the new trick doesn't apply to general use; Android Police notes that you can't shift your gaze just to take a picture or get directions. Nonetheless, the glance option should be very helpful for Explorers who'd like to keep their head movements (and funny looks from others) to a minimum. Update: Google has finally announced the feature, and is encouraging explorers to try it out, check out the Google+ post and a pic of the notification after the break.
Google's first fashionable Glass frames are designed by Diane Von Furstenberg
Diane Von Furstenberg may be better known for wrap dresses than wraparound shades, but her fashion label has actually been a long-term collaborator with Google Glass. The partnership has now resulted in a new "DVF" collection of Glass options, including five new frames and eight new shades with which to customize (and perhaps soften) your futuristic appearance. They'll be available to Explorers in the US from June 23rd, both via Google's own site and from Net-a-porter, although there's no word on how much extra you'd need to spend beyond the $1,500 cost of the beta device itself. On the same day, Google's own Titanium collection will also become available through the Mr Porter online store. Meanwhile, we're still waiting on more sporty options from the likes of Oakley and Ray-Ban, although these might not arrive until Google Glass finally shifts into full commercial mode.
Google puts Mattel and Disney designer Ivy Ross in charge of Glass
Google has just made a creative choice for its new head of Glass, picking one-time Mattel design lead and noted jewelery artist Ivy Ross. That signals a big shift away from Glass' geeky developer base while it transitions to a full-fledged consumer product. She would fill the position previously held by Babak Parviz as Google's Glass lead and work under Google X for Astro Teller and co-founder Sergei Brin. On the Google Glass G+ page, Ross said that she's spent her career "at the intersection of design and marketing" and that she'll be looking to answer some of the "audacious questions" around Glass. Though she didn't say so, some of those will no doubt revolve around privacy and other contentious issues with the upcoming product.
Google Glass tempts travelers with new apps from Foursquare, OpenTable and TripIt
Now available to one and all (but still in beta, only for US residents and priced at $1,500), Google Glass is adding another selling point: travel accessory. That's thanks to new Glassware from Foursquare (we hope a Swarm patch is included), OpenTable and TripIt, adding to other services that support the device like Google's own Maps and Field Trip. TechCrunch also points out that the augmented reality app Word Lens launched a Glass app last fall that lets it superimpose translations over whatever you're looking at -- handy if you don't know the language. The TripIt app keeps your flight info in view, the Foursquare app can do checkins by voice and OpenTable of course brings easily set up reservations. Will this push you into ordering a headset? Maybe not, but if you need one more way to look slightly out of place while on the road, we think we have an answer. [Image credit: Michel Porro/WireImage]
UC Irvine School of Medicine outfits students with Google Glass
Medical schools have been eyeing Google Glass for some time, but the UC Irvine School of Medicine is making the device a standard tool for its four-year program. Starting this month, third- and fourth-year med students will sport ten of Mountain View's headsets during surgery and emergency training situations. In August, 20-30 more pairs of Glass will join first- and second-year students to enhance anatomy labs, simulations, ultrasounds and more. As you might expect, instructors will have access too, giving a first-person perspective during instruction and the ability to transmit patient info in real time. Of course, that former scenario works in reverse, offering faculty the student's view when needed. In terms of privacy, the high-tech spectacles will feature proprietary software to keep all coursework HIPAA compliant. [Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Google starts selling Glass to anyone (in the US) with $1,500 to burn
There's no longer a need to attend a golf tournament or carefully log on for a one-day sale, as Google has just announced it's opening sales of the Glass headset to all (in the US). As long as they're in stock and you have $1,500, you too can join the beta Explorer program and be part of a nearby #glassnightout. Now that Glass is more widely available, Google is saying thank you to its first Explorers with a video (embedded after the break) asking some of them what being among the first to wear the device was like. A major consumer push (and hopefully lower price) is yet to come as the team keeps working on the hardware and software, but if you're not bothered by some rough edges / weird looks, it's just a click of the buy button away. [Image credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images]
CNN turns Google Glass owners into citizen journalists
Sometimes breaking news happens right before your eyes while you're out and about. If you happen to be wearing Google Glass when those events take place, CNN now has a way for you to share photos and videos of the action directly from the headset. The news outfit announced the addition to its iReport citizen journalism effort earlier this week, and it's claiming to be "the first major news network" to allow contributing via the wearable. If you're interested in joining up, you'll have to authorize CNN to send notifications to Glass and link up an iReport profile in the settings. When you've completed those steps, the appropriate avenue for beaming captured media to the newsroom will appear as a sharing option for photos and videos. Folks have already opted in, as the first mobile coverage (relating to gas prices in Miami) can be seen here. [Photo credit: Angel Navarrete/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Google Glass community goes on charm offensive, plans a #glassnightout
Glass has gotten a bad rep over the past few months, particularly in bars where other patrons mistakenly think Explorers are recording their every move (or they actually are). To help improve that image, Google is encouraging owners to go out on the town this Saturday night wearing their high-tech glasses. To some, a bar full of Glass wearers might sound like the Worst Saturday Night Ever, but the hope is the cyborg masses will be able to educate the public a little better than when they're flying solo. The #GlassNightOut also offers the opportunity to mix and mingle with other Explorers -- a rare experience if you're living somewhere outside of San Francisco, and probably a lot more fun than going on Field Trip by your lonesome. If you're interested in checking out one of the Meetups this weekend, hit the source link for a full list of participating cities and locations. Not a people person? Well, Google Glass might be the wingman you've been looking for. Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Google Glass won't steal your phone calls anymore
Google isn't done upgrading Glass this month just because the KitKat update is out the door. It's rolling out another release this week that should be huge for frequent callers and photographers. You'll no longer miss a phone call just because Glass took control of the audio; the eyewear is now smart enough to route sound to your handset when you're using it to hold a conversation. It'll also be possible to back up photos and videos when away from WiFi, and you can clear those shots from your timeline with one swipe when you're done. There should be more voice commands to accommodate third-party apps, as well. It's not clear exactly when the update hits, but it should give the surge of new Glass owners one more thing to look forward to.
Google Glass users can now say 'Explore Nearby' to launch Field Trip, discover the world around them
When Google released its Field Trip app for Glass back in August last year, it made perfect sense. You could finally use the wearable computer as a handy visual tour guide when you're out and about, which in our opinion is a far better use-case for it than checking email or reading text messages. That said, the original Field Trip wasn't the smoothest experience, as you still had to tap the eyewear's touchpad to launch it. That changes today, however, with a new voice command feature that lets you activate the app simply by saying "OK Glass, Explore Nearby," effectively making it a top-level command similar to "Take a picture" or "Get directions." Given that the app was developed by Niantic Labs, an internal startup within Google, it's no surprise that it works so seamlessly with the Google hardware.
Google Glass now available to anyone, may be prepping for public launch (update: not so much...)
Google offered Glass to the public as part of a one day sale not long ago. Now it seems that anyone can order one again without an invite. There's been no announcement so far, no fan fair -- a few Redditors just happened to discover that you can head straight to the order page and add one to your cart. We've tried it from multiple accounts that we can confirm did not sign up for the Explorer program, so it appears that Glass is legitimately available to anyone with a Google account. We've reached out to Mountain View for comment and we'll let you know as soon as we hear back. In the meantime you can go order your own Explorer Edition unit now. So long as you're comfortable coughing up the $1,500 asking price, of course. Update: Well, it appears that Glass is not available to everyone after all. Google just never pulled the URL for the shop down following the April 15th sale. The company told Android Community it would be pulling the site down soon. And, sadly, if it seemed like you successfully put in an order today chances are that won't be honored. According to the statement customers not already "in the pipeline" won't be getting Glass.
In honor of Earth Day, Google expands 'Giving through Glass' program
In honor of Earth Day (today, that is), Google's announcing another wave of its Giving through Glass program for non-profit organizations. The program, originally launched late last year, equips groups including the World Wildlife Fund and Give Directly with Google's wearable computer, with the goal of "bringing more transparency to philanthropy." Now, Mountain View is looking to partner with another five nonprofits -- submissions are open today through May 20th, and the selected organizations will win a $25,000 grant in addition to Google's hardware. Nonprofits can head here to apply, and everyone can head past the break to check out a WWF researcher using Glass while tracking rhinos in Nepal.
Google Glass now displays your iPhone's text messages
On the heels of last week's KitKat update, Google Glass nabbed up two more notable improvements today. First, iOS users can now have their text messages displayed on Glass, after a quick toggle of the Bluetooth settings. Here's the catch: "due to some limitations with iOS," you wont be able to reply to those messages directly from the headset. There's also a new Calendar Glassware that situates an agenda to the left of the home screen. Tapping a card in that timeline will allow you edit title, time, location and even RSVP. If you'd rather just skip those festivities altogether, you can delete events or hide them from view. Both of the new features are said to be rolling out to early adopters "in the next few days," so keep your eyes peeled.
Google apes Warby Parker, lets you try on Glass before you buy
Tempted by Google's Glass headset, but worried it'll make you look like a doofus? It's a legitimate concern, but there's hope: Google is now sending out non-functional dummy units that you can try on at home. Potential Explorers were sent an email advertising a "home try-on kit" with four Google Glass frame styles in four colors - all titanium, of course. After trying on the frames and picking a favorite, participants send the units back with pre-paid labels. Easy. The trial program isn't listed on the official Glass website yet, but anyone can sign up by calling 855-9Glass9. The cost of pretending you have Mountain View's most exclusive accessory? Absolutely free, though Google will put a $50 hold on your credit card until you return the headgear. Just because it doesn't work doesn't mean the company doesn't want it back.
Samsung explores a stripped-down take on wearable displays
Samsung must want to keep an open mind when it comes to wearable displays. Just a short while after it explored the possibility of smart sports glasses, the company is back with a patent for a heads-up display with a built-in earpiece. In some ways, it resembles a stripped-down version of Google Glass; the transparent screen and camera are familiar, but Samsung is using only the earphone assembly to prop things up rather than a more elaborate frame. Its layout would include a collapsible eyepiece, too. The patent says little about what the company would do with the hardware besides "augmented reality," and there's no guarantee that you'll ever see this in stores. If you find yourself picking up this wearable alongside some future Samsung smartphone, though, you can at least say that you saw it coming.
Don't forget: The one-day Google Glass public sale starts soon!
Your taxes are (hopefully) done, you've had your first cup of coffee... now what? Google wants to jump-start your Tuesday by offering even non-Explorers its Glass wearable for $1,500. As many of you said yesterday, that's kinda steep, but today marks the first day the product is open to the public -- until supplies run out, that is. Google Glass will go on sale at this link starting at 6AM PT/9AM ET, and we recommend showing up on time.
