More frame than glasses - would place a small see-through display screen above a person's eye that can show maps and other data. They are only prototypes now, but a wearer could use voice commands to request directions or send messages much like a smart phone does - all while walking and interacting with the real world!
A Google employee, Luke Owtbelo, who currently hospitalized for injuries sustained while testing the device, said, "This technology isn't sa--" and fainted. A Google spokesman quickly suggested that Mr. Owtbelo was probably going to tell us that
"This technology isn't ON SALE yet." He then cleared his throat and ushered us out of the room.
We were given a chance to test the device in a controlled environment - a very big open room. Even then, several reporters in the group were able to locate walls with their foreheads while interacting with the glasses. We were told proximity sensors would be added in later models.
"This puts Google out in front of Apple; they are a long ways ahead at this point," said Michael Liebhold, a senior researcher specializing in wearable computing at the Institute for the Future in Palo Alto, Calif. "In addition to having a superstar team of scientists who specialize in wearable, they also have the needed data elements, including Google Maps."
"Plus", Liebhold said, "we plan on grabbing the name iEYE from underneath Apple." He suggested this would make the device particularly of interest to sailors.
Google has releaseed a pleasant video shot from the perspective of a glasses-wearer, showing how the glasses might work. HERE
