Google Glass available for all today – will you be buying one?

Kris Carlon 2014-04-15T10:00:00Z1 day ago

Kris Carlon

Putting down roots in Berlin after six years of traveling is a major step for Kris Carlon, who has spent more time living out of a tent lately than sitting at a desk. Kris comes to the AndroidPIT Editorial Team via a lengthy period spent writing on art and culture in Australia and other places he has lived. He joined the Android community while resurfacing in civilization back in 2010 and has never looked back, using technology to replace his actual presence in other people's lives ever since.

As you no doubt have heard, today anyone can buy Google Glass in the US. You don't even have to line up, just hit Google's Glass page and start trying to feverishly get one before the limited stock runs out. You'll still have to cough up 1500 USD to get in on the game, but at least you don't need to be connected to a current Glass Explorer if you've been hanging out to get one for yourself.

Want Glass? You got it. For $1500 that is. / © AndroidPIT

Previously, only a select few were allowed to purchase Glass. That's right, you needed to be selected to then buy your way into the wearable device program. Then, those initial Explorers were allowed to invite friends to also buy Glass. Now, Google is opening up the field to any adult in the US with 1500 bucks burning a hole in their pocket. You'll also get a spectacle frame or sunglass-style shade included in the deal. There's no indication of just how many headsets Google has in stock for the buying frenzy, but we bet they won't last long either way.

In this one-day-only sale, you'll also get free shades or a frame for your Glass. / © AndroidPIT

Keep in mind that Glass is still very much in its infancy, and there's a reason Google has kept the Explorer program so limited. Feedback from knowledgeable wearers is key to making the final mass production version viable. This latest step clearly means Google is getting closer to releasing a widespread consumer model. If you want in on the Explorer program you need to hit up Google's Glass page starting at 9 am EDT. The offer is only available for those over 18 in the US (or, presumably, with a US postal address).

Will you be picking up Glass? How do you feel about the new crop of wearable devices on the horizon from Apple, Sony and possibly even Facebook?

Source: Google Glass (Google+)

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Google Glass Gets KitKat Support And Improved Photo Browsing, Loses Video Calls

Anybody will be able to buy Google Glass tomorrow, but ahead of this, Google is giving the Glass software an update. There are a couple of new features in this update, including new tools for making working with photos easier, but Google has also decided to remove the option to do video calls from Glass for the time being.

Google says video calls from Glass didn’t live out to the company’s “high standards.” Only about 10 percent of Glass users currently use them, and because of this, the Glass team has made “the hard decision to remove video calls from Glass until the experience is better.”

It’s unclear when this feature will return, but Google tells Glass users to keep an eye out for video-streaming apps in the MyGlass app library for third-party solutions. Given that video calls from Glass were always one of the device’s marquee features, it does come as quite a surprise that Google would remove this, even if just a few percent of its current users use it. 

As for the photo updates, Google now finally bundles photos together so when you scroll through your timelines, it’s not cluttered by lots of photos, and the photos you take are easier to find. Glass now bundles all your videos, photos and vignettes into a single bundle for each day. If you take a lot of photos on Glass, that’s definitely a major improvement.

Despite losing the video calling feature, Hangouts on Glass are still an option for chats, and with this update, Google now allows users to more easily send photos in Hangout messages.

Other new updates include a voice command menu that’s now sorted by frequency and recency, as well as the ability to more easily send feedback about Glass right from the device.

According to Google, there are a few more features in this update, too, but it hasn’t updated its Glass Journal blog yet. We will update this post with a list of all the new features as Google makes this information available.

Google Lets Anyone In The U.S. Become A Glass Explorer For $1,500 Starting April 15

Google isn’t doing its consumer launch of Glass just yet, but it is doing the next best thing: Opening up the Glass Explorer program to anyone in the U.S. starting April 15. That’s right, as of next Tuesday, any American resident can grab a Google Glass unit for $1,500 plus applicable taxes, and these will ship with your favorite shade or Glass-specific frame included, too.

The program opens its doors at 6 AM PT on Tuesday (9AM for you east coasters), and there are only limited spots available, so it’s probably going to be first-come, first-served. This is still a very expensive piece of hardware, and Google is very clear about this still being the Glass Explorer program specifically, so that comes with all the caveats about this being bleeding edge tech that’s prone to some bugs and refinements yet to come.

Google has previously expanded Glass Explorer program availability by giving the first round of Explorers invites for their friends and family, and now clearly wants to do as much as possible to open up the floodgates for a much broader beta pool.

If you’re outside the U.S., Google is still intent on saving you $1,500; the search giant says that it’s “not ready to bring Glass to other countries” as of yet.

Expanding the Explorer pool doesn’t mean the issues Glass has faced of late around public perception will go away, but it does mean that Google can gather feedback from a wider user group, and one that’s more likely to include people not constantly connected to the tech world and eager to adopt tech as early as possible. That’s probably still going to describe most of those willing to spend $1,500 on joining a beta pool, but when you’re pioneering face-based computing, it’s probably best to get as much early input as you can.

If you want to get reminded about the April 15 6 AM start time, sign up here, or just bookmark it and return to start Exploring.

Google offering Glass for sale to any U.S. consumer on April 15th, limited stock available

Google Glass might not be ready for a full commercial launch just yet, but if you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a Glass Explorer, you’ll want to circle April 15th on your calendar.

Google has just announced via Google+ that it will be offering Google Glass to the public starting at 6AM PST on Tuesday, for the same-old price of $1500 (plus tax). The only added benefit over original explorers is that the $1500 you pay includes your favorite shade or frame, if you so choose.

So what’s the catch here? Nothing other than there’s only a limited number available, and you’ll have to be the United States to order it. Google doesn’t specify how it will handle the sale, but we imagine it will simply be a first-come-first-served affair.

Of course, $1500 is a lot to pay for a product that is relatively unproven and is essentially still in the ‘beta phase’. That said, if you have the cash to spend and are interested in diving into Google’s vision for the wearable future, you’ll want to head on over to Google’s website on April 15th. For those won’t remember on their own, there’s also a sign-up page that says it will send you a reminder before the sales event starts.

So how about it, planning on picking up Google Glass April 15th, as long as stock holds up? Conversely do you still not quite sold on the idea of Google Glass — at least not until the price comes down significantly?

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New Google post attempts to address some of the most common Glass ‘myths’

Although there are many folks that are interested in the potential of wearable devices such as Google Glass, there are also those who either fear it, misunderstand it or simply feel that it is a fad item that has no long-term appeal.

In the time since Google first launched the Glass Explorer program we’ve seen several bars and casinos ban the device, there’s been debate about Glass’ legality while driving and then there’s the privacy concerns that have been raised about the device’s camera and the possibility of facial recognition software.

All of these developments have created a public perception of Google Glass that isn’t necessarily accurate. For example, there are a lot of people that think the device is always on and always recording. There’s also those that believe facial recognition software is built right into Glass.

In order to set the record straight, Google has released a new post on Google+ discussing what it calls the “ten myths of Google Glass”. In the lengthy post, Google says that Glass isn’t nearly as distracting as people claim it to be, and in many ways it is less distracting than conventional mobile devices like our phones and tablets.

Google also talks about the kinds of users that utilize Glass, its ban status and even its possible privacy concerns. You can read the post in its entirety by clicking here.

For those just looking for the ‘big hitters’ discussed in the post, here’s a few of the key ‘Glass myths’ that Google discusses:

Glass is the ultimate distraction from the real world

Instead of looking down at your computer, phone or tablet while life happens around you, Glass allows you to look up and engage with the world. Big moments in life — concerts, your kid’s performances, an amazing view — shouldn’t be experienced through the screen you’re trying to capture them on. That’s why Glass is off by default and only on when you want it to be. It’s designed to get you a bit of what you need just when you need it and then get you back to the people and things in life you care about.

Glass is always on and recording everything

Just like your cell phone, the Glass screen is off by default. Video recording on Glass is set to last 10 seconds. People can record for longer, but Glass isn’t designed for or even capable of always-on recording (the battery won’t last longer than 45 minutes before it needs to be charged). So next time you’re tempted to ask an Explorer if he’s recording you, ask yourself if you’d be doing the same with your phone. Chances are your answers will be the same.

Glass is banned… EVERYWHERE

Since cell phones came onto the scene, folks have been pretty good at creating etiquette and the requisite (and often necessary) bans around where someone can record (locker rooms, casino floors, etc.). Since Glass functionality mirrors the cell phones (“down to the screen being off by default), the same rules apply. Just bear in mind, would-be banners: Glass can be attached to prescription lenses, so requiring Glass to be turned off is probably a lot safer than insisting people stumble about blindly in a locker room.

Glass marks the end of privacy

When cameras first hit the consumer market in the late 19th century, people declared an end to privacy. Cameras were banned in parks, at national monuments and on beaches. People feared the same when the first cell phone cameras came out. Today, there are more cameras than ever before. In ten years there will be even more cameras, with or without Glass. 150+ years of cameras and eight years of YouTube are a good indicator of the kinds of photos and videos people capture–from our favorite cat videos to dramatic, perspective-changing looks at environmental destruction, government crackdowns, and everyday human miracles.

While Google makes some excellent points in its “10 Myths post”, it also carefully avoids confronting a few issues such as the fact that anyone can record someone with a phone or tablet — but it’s a lot easier to secretively do it with Google Glass.

What do you think of Google Glass, are the privacy concerns and other drama that surrounds causes for real concern or has the media (and the public) turned this into a bigger issue than it really is?

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Google debunks top 10 myths about Glass

Loie Favre 2014-03-21T15:00:01Z20 hours ago

Loie Favre

Loie Favre is a Canadian-German, food-loving, live-music-craving globe-trotter. Coming from a humble background in the Canadian Prairies centred around nature and the Arts, she studied Translation and Languages in Edmonton. She left his home on the Pacific Coast of Canada, to seek her fortune in Berlin. She is now an Editor and Manager for AndroidPIT.com and is enjoying discovering about everything and anything under the sun about Android.

Glass has been surrounded by controversy since it was first unveiled by Google. From arrests for driving with Glass, Porn apps, dangers to your health and cyborgs to the positive side of it in hospital surgeries, playing games, capturing amazing life moments etc, it has been a rollercoaster ride for Google. The company posted on their Google+ page the truth behind 10 myths about Glass, in their attempts to set the record straight on endless rumors and speculations that they consider confusing and unsettling.

© Google

The Glass myths

• Myth 1: Glass is the ultimate distraction from the real world
• Myth 2: Glass is always on and recording everything
• Myth 3: Glass Explorers are technology-worshipping geeks
• Myth 4: Glass is ready for prime time
• Myth 5: Glass does facial recognition (and other dodgy things)
• Myth 6: Glass covers your eye(s)
• Myth 7: Glass is the perfect surveillance device
• Myth 8: Glass is only for those privileged enough to afford it
• Myth 9: Glass is banned... EVERYWHERE  
• Myth 10: Glass marks the end of privacy

Here is the real story according to Google

Glass won’t distract you from real life, it’s off by default but it's there when you want to look up things happening around you, as well as capture life’s big moments. People wearing Glass aren’t likely to be recording you, because for the moment, Glass can only record up to 10 seconds of video, and the the battery only lasts 45 minutes. Glass isn’t just for nerds either, but also used for firefighters, doctors and those who need to be more engaged in what is going on. According to Google, Glass will help people be less distracted by technology than the normal smartphone user, because those using Glass (Explorers) use it more efficiently.

Google also sets the record straight on Glass being ready to go on sale to the public: the final product is far from being ready and will likely look a lot different than Glass looks now. Glass can’t recognize faces, an intentional omission in response to public feedback. All apps are approved by Google before being used with Glass.

''Our Explorers come from all walks of life. They include parents, firefighters, zookeepers, brewmasters, film students, reporters, and doctors.'' © Ohio State Wexner Medical Center

Apparently, not just rich people get Glass either, employers often pay for them, or interested candidates have used Kickstarter to finance them or received Glass as a gift. Glass isn’t banned everywhere either, but merely the same places where cameras or smartphones are banned, like locker rooms, casino floors etc. They don’t mention anything about driving though, a touchy area I would imagine. Finally, Glass is, in Google’s opinion, not the end of privacy, when you put it into perspective.

What to take from this

In my opinion, their rebuttal against these myths are just superficial answers that, for me, don’t satisfy 100% of my worries. But I can appreciate that Google would try to clear the air around Glass to increase public knowledge, an important PR move. Google may attempt to come across as being a philanthropic bringer of technology in order to make our world a better place, but I think it’s still important to carry a healthy amount of scepticism in everything Google, no matter how many well-written ‘see, we are the good guy’ posts they write.

What do you think of these debunked myths? Are you satisfied with the answers they've provided?

Source: Google+

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Aim for the Middle of the Glass to Pour Beer Perfectly

S

When pouring beer, you want to capture its aromas and get the right amount of head. The Art of Manliness suggests you can make that happen by aiming your pour at the middle of the glass.

Of course, the perfect pour isn't quite that simple. You need the right speed, and to bring the glass upward at the right time. The Art of Manliness explains:

Make sure you have a clean glass, and hold it at a 45-degree angle while pouring. Begin to pour your beer, and aim for about halfway down the glass. Don't be shy; if you're too slow, you'll end up with no head, and none of those wonderful aromas that enhance the flavor. When you tilt the glass upright, you'll notice the head start to form.

As you finishing pouring you should get about a 0.5 to 1.5 inches of head—the perfect pour. For lots of visual aids, check out the full post over at the Art of Manliness.

How to Properly Pour Beer | The Art of Manliness

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Google Wants Everyone To Stop Hating On Glass

All social issues aside, Google Glass is an impressive kit of technology. However, that might not be enough to secure its future. The novel PR campaign that is the Google Glass Explorer program seems to be failing. So much so that Google has started firing back at Google Glass haters with a series of pro-Glass factoids.

The company just shared “The Top 10 Google Glass Myths.” A sampling:

• Myth 1: Glass is the ultimate distraction from the real world
• Myth 7 – Glass is the perfect surveillance device

This comes a month after Google explained in a similar list how not to be a glasshole.

But as much as many hate Google Glass at the moment, Google needs to remember that consumers tend to hate everything when it first comes out.

“Almost everybody is reluctant to change almost everything. Whatever you learned as a kid you want to keep always,” Dean Kamen told SXSW attendee Ron Miller who then explained this phenomenon in this post. Kamen, the inventor of the Segway and other things, should understand quite well this early-adopter hate.

On some levels the Google Glass Explorer program is as interesting as Google Glass. Never before has a company put the fate of a totally novel product in the hands of consumers. Google invited interested users to buy this completely beta device and essentially market it for them.

Recent anti-Glass legislation and social gaffes show this strategy has largely failed to the point that Google has started social campaigns to revive Glass’s image.