April 13, 2012 at 12:31 PM ET
Google's recent announcement of an augmented reality prototype that integrates smartphone tasks into wearable technology has made keyboards buzz for about a week, but it's got obvious downsides. For one, it doesn't really make sense to people who already wear glasses. (And for another, outside of a sci-fi convention, it's hard to imagine people wearing this in public.)
But now, Google has created mock-ups to show how its concept device might work with regular prescription glasses.
As a brief refresher, this Geordi LaForge-like visor would enable users to tap into calendar alerts, text and email messages, take pictures or even do video chat -- all entirely hands-free, after a little tap to activate it. Instead of using your hands, your head would become the mouse. (Admittedly, that might make you a look a little crazy, or well, crazier.)
And if recent developments come to pass, it could present a real opportunity for designers to make it palatable to the general public.
We ideally want Project Glass to work for everyone, and we're experimenting with designs that are meant to be extendable to different types of frames. Many of our team members wear glasses, too, so it’s definitely something we’re thinking about.
Might this be a more appealing way to roll out the technology, if and when it comes to pass? Compare the first image to the original ones distributed by Google. Which one would you choose?
Google's Project Glass, day 1
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