TORONTO – The tech world is buzzing with the news that Google has begun selling it’s “Project Glass” prototype to U.S. computer programmers at a three-day conference this week.
“Project Glass” consists of a pair of internet connected glasses that allow users to surf the web, take photos and even chat with friends while going about their business.
The internet giant has been secretly developing this project for over two years and a consumer version is expected to go on the market by 2014.
But, Google isn’t the only company developing eyewear technologies; Global News looked at other smart glasses models and how they compare to “Project Glass”.
Google’s “Project Glass”
Google’s latest business venture is a pair of internet connected glasses that allow the person sporting them to see directions, shop online, video chat, and even take photos all without being distracted by a handheld device.
“Project Glass” glasses will access the internet with a data plan so you can surf the web just like a smart phone. But, the glasses are meant to interact with the user’s senses, but not impede them, as Google believes the glasses will be less distracting to the user than a Smartphone.
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Retail price: $1,500 for developers to test out the first version, a less expensive model is expected to be released for consumers.
Vuzix SMART glasses
These smart glasses work as a wearable a HD video display with graphics good enough to produce augmented reality experiences and allow you to safely watch a movie on the go without having your vision impaired.
They work by allowing the output to pass through a 1.4 millimetre thick plastic lens, displaying a 2D image into the user’s eye. The HD display engine allows the device to produce images with high contrast and brightness so the user is able to experience HD views in all settings.
Retail price: $4,999
Oakley Thump
Sunglasses brand Oakley developed their own rendition of smart glasses by being the first company to incorporate an MP3 player into their sunglasses.
Oakley Thump features flip up lenses for indoor use and runs off of a 6 hour non-removable lithium-ion battery that charges via USB. In a later generation of the Thump controls were located into the logo on the arm of the glasses for easy use.
Retail price: $299 (1GB), $399 (2GB)
2A1 Lab’s O2Amps glasses
These glasses allege can detect a person’s emotion and health by amplifying the colour of the skin. The technology allows the glasses to build on the eye’s natural ability to gauge body signals by using three layers of filters to enhance the eyes ability to see internal signs of emotion or illness.
If the user sees green-blue colours they may be seeing someone who is cold, purple signals an angry individual, and red means the person is feeling dangerous, or sexy.
Retail price: Not available for purchase
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