Google recently revealed it has a top-secret lab where professional tech geeks are holed up, inventing the cool gadgets of tomorrow. Among these gadgets, the augmented reality Google Glasses project was recently unveiled to the general public. Since then, the tech blogosphere and news cycle has exploded with predictions and speculations as to what the glasses do, and what they mean for the future. To aid in the circus of speculation that is tech journalism, Google released a video of the glasses in action. While the general response to the gadget has been positive, there are some who are skeptical of the new invention. Still, the truth is we have a limited amount of information about the project.
What We Know
For starters, we know that the augmented reality glasses run on the Android operating system. Then there are the actual capabilities of the device. These are hard to pin down. A recent video posted to the Google Glasses page on Google+ shows the device in action. Judging from the video, we know the glasses can take and share photos, play music, manage calendars and appointments, as well as check into physical locations.
What We Don’t Know
What we don’t know significantly outweighs what we’re sure about. In fact, everything outside of what’s revealed in the Google video is mere speculation. For instance, we have no idea what version of Android will run on the glasses – if there will be a new, Google Glasses-specific version of Android, or if the device will simply run the latest OS. We also have no frame of reference for the types of applications that will be compatible with the device. While this may be frustrating for the most rabid Google fan boys and girls, this indicates the future is wide open for mobile app development.
Some Reservations
Not everyone is on board with the Google Glasses project. Some experts and critics voice concerns over the glasses’ technological interference with everyday life. The fear is that wearing the glasses would promote a constant stream of digital data that would interfere with everyday tasks like driving and performing work-related tasks. On the flip side, those who have used the latest prototypes of the device assure the masses that the glasses are even less intrusive than a smart phone.
Potential App Development
This is where the exciting part of speculation comes in. The potential app development and mobile gaming possibilities are virtually endless. In fact, the device appears to be built for a highly interactive gaming experience. We’re likely to see popular games like Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja adapted to the augmented-reality environment. Additionally, Google Maps and other navigation apps are likely to benefit from the virtual, interactive environment. Again, this is all speculation and has no bearing on what the device will actually deliver. But one thing is sure: the mobile app development community is teeming with ideas for how the device will change the app landscape.
Google Will Surprise Us
Google is one of today’s largest tech giants, due partially to their ability to take big risks and surprise us at the last second. The truth is for all the predictions we make, the Google Glasses project will likely be different from what we expect. The assumption is that the general public will embrace this new and potentially innovative technology, but of course we have no way of knowing for sure. Still, the unveiling of this new technology is exciting for many, as it should be.
