Google Glass

Introduction

Have you read about the Google Glass project and wondered what kind of apps you can build or design on Glass? This seminar is designed to introduce developers and designers (and everyone else) to the Google Glass interface, the Google Mirror API, and the functionalities and limitations of both. Google is encouraging an ecosystem of developers and designers to build the apps that could make Glass the next iPhone.
Glass is part of the evolution from desktop to mobile to wearable technology, including watches, bracelets, and other eyewear. While it is still early and Glass is only released to several thousand “Explorers,” designers and developers may eventually consider it essential to understand the fundamentals of development and design for Google Glass.

What is Google Glass?
 It‟s a glass with a Smart Phone in it.
 It‟s brings the internet world and real world together.
 It has a micro phone , camera and a screen
How it Works? The device will probably communicate with mobile phones through Wi-Fi and display contents on the video screen as well as respond to the voice commands of the user. Google put together a short video demonstrating the features and apps of Google glasses. It mainly concentrates on the social networking, navigation and communication. The video camera senses the environment and recognizes the objects and people around. The whole working of the Google glasses depends upon the user voice commands itself.

Benefits:
 Easy to wear and use.
 Sensitive and responsive to the presence of people.
 Fast access of maps, documents, videos, chats and much more.
 A new trend for fashion lovers together being an innovative technology.
 A spectacle based computer to reside directly on your eyes rather than in your pouch or pocket.
 A useful technology for all kinds of handicapped/disabled people

Advantages of Google Glass
 Glass is sleek, light and easily wearable and you won‟t require keeping it on and off your pockets, like mobile phones.
 No Bluetooth or camera needed when Glass is on, it‟ll do all for you.
 Glass will provide you detailed information and satisfactory results on your queries.
 Make phone calls, sms, emails though Google Glass, no Smartphone required.
 Keep your calendar events, information, contacts updated on Glass.
 Easier navigation and maps will be provided through Glass.
 Glass will make you look hi-tech and updated on technology and create an impressive impact on people.

Disadvantages of Google Glass
 Glass might give you a „nerdy‟ look that might create clumsiness among people.
 No indication while clicking pictures (like pointing the camera) which almost sounds like a hidden camera trying to capture a non-ready subject.
 Chances are there to drop yourself down in the road while reading a text or email since you can‟t get your eyes off it.
 No public privacy concern so the worry of leaking out information still remains.
 Competition is on pace. The future might bring a contact lens version of Glass after which Google Glass is supposed to sink.

Google Glass Design Principles
Here are the key guidelines for designing a good Google Glass experience. Straight from Timothy Jordan, Senior Developer Advocate at Google.
1. Design for Glass and it‟s unique interface
2. Don‟t get in the way or be intrusive (no intermodal dialogues)
3. Keep it timely. Glass is a “right now” device.
4. Avoid the unexpected. Don‟t surprise the users with unexpected communications or time cards.