Developers to Get a Clearer View of Google Glass at Upcoming Hackathon
When Time named Google Glass as one of the best inventions of 2012, many were confused since the “computer built into the frame of a pair of glasses” was not expected to be available to consumers until 2014.
Just as many were confused about what Google Glass is—and how it works.
Many of those people are still wondering those same questions today, though the answers will likely arrive soon. Google made the surprise announcement this week that the device will be handed to developers for a two-day hackathon in both San Francisco and New York.
For a price tag of $1,500, the cost of the device, developers will be invited to become members of “The Glass Foundry” where they’ll not only receive a Google Glass device to play and work with but also access to what is being called the device’s “mirror API.” Google released this video with more, albeit brief, info about the upcoming events.
Until now, very few people have had access to Google’s “augmented reality glasses.” Diane von Furstenberg was one of the first to try them out at last spring's New York Fashion Week. Google’s own testers have been spotted wearing the futuristic glasses around New York, and Christopher Robbins from Gothamist recently got about as much info out them as anyone has been able to up to this point.
One ability of the device that many are chattering about is Glass’ ability to project a keyboard, even onto your own skin. This would enable wearers to dial a phone number, update a Facebook status, or send a tweet—all of which are expected to be functions of the device when it’s released.
Some are speculating a “patent war” between Google and Microsoft over this feature since it was unveiled back in 2009. Hopefully in the coming weeks, we’ll get some more information about what else we can expect from Google Glass—that is, if the developers who get their hands on it are allowed to tell us anything new.
