Originally Published: March 7, 2013 http://blogs.republicanherald.com/tech/?p=293
A tech revolution is upon us.
While it may seem like that revolution came with the launch of the iPhone in 2007, Android and the HTC G1 in 2008 and the iPad in 2010, companies are now looking for the next big thing that will make computers even smaller and more mobile.
If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you’ll know this revolution includes Google Glass (simply being referred to as Glass) and there are rumors pointing to an ‘iWatch,’ although Apple has yet to make any such announcement.
Google Glass
Both of these devices upon launch will be truly groundbreaking and we already know this with Glass. It was first announced at Google’s developer conference last year, Google I/O. For those of you that don’t know, Glass is designed to be used by voice commands, activated by saying ‘ok,glass’ and it can then do anything from searching Google, taking and sharing photos or video, video chatting through a Google+ Hangout and giving directions and navigation. There’s also a little trackpad on the side for further control. The device runs on either wifi or tethers to your Android or iOS device to share its Internet connection. The possibilities are endless and this product is only in beta, with select developers having a pair that cost them $1,500. Although the price has been high for the prototype devices, it will cost “significantly less,” according to one of Google co-founder, Sergey Brin, once it launches to the public by the end of the year.
The whole idea behind this product, which I find the most fascinating and why I could see myself buying a pair, is that the Internet and technology will be accessible anywhere, at any time, without having to use your hands. Google made it clear that people are looking down at their smartphones too much and this is supposed to be less intrusive so people can be more connected to their lives and the world around them.
Check out more about Glass here. If you want an even better idea of how Glass works, check out this story by tech journalist Joshua Topolosky from The Verge, who actually got to visit Google’s New York headquarters and try it out.
Is this the iWatch?
It still remains to be seen when an iWatch will come out and what it will look like. We have no idea except for a filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in August 2011 for a “Bi-stable spring with flexible display” that conforms to your wrist or other parts of the body. The iWatch is also said to run a full version of iOS. It will be interesting to see that actually comes out and what Apple’s idea behind it is.
Just comparing Glass with this Apple patent, it seems like there are two different philosophies from the companies about what the future will be like, so it remains to be seen which will come out on top. My money is on project Glass, but Apple does have a cult following, just like Google.
Last thing I’m going to leave you with is a fun comic of the two devices, that is actually pretty true with both Apple and Google.
http://tapastic.com/episode/2316
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