Google gives clear look at Glass

Google has released a video tutorial on how to use its wearable Glass computer, which allows users to see timelines and share pictures using a touch pad.

Operated via voice and touch, Google Glass is set to be a major hit when it comes on the market at the end of the year.

Owners will be able to record video and take pictures of whatever they see and share them on social networks, with rumours growing that Twitter has already designed an app to run on the glasses.

By swiping a panel on the arm of the device back and forth, users can toggle through various cards that provide information, like weather, travel information and more based on where the user is and what time it is.

The video also demonstrates how intuitive the controls are. By swiping right, users will see information from the past, like messages, videos and photos, and tapping the device allows users to share a photo and send it to selected friends.

Just swiping down puts the device in standby mode.

It is the first detailed glimpse of the technology released by Google and the video demonstrates the user’s experience of using a glass interface.

The video, “Glass How To: Getting Started Demo” gives a demon-stration on how to record, make video calls, explore maps, and navigate in everyday situations.

However, there are privacy concerns, as it will not be obvious when a wearer is recording via the glasses.

Tech blogger Robert Scoble has already deemed the device a must-have, but believes that the key to the headset’s success will simply come down to price, not privacy.

Scoble claims that he will not be able to “live a day of [his] life from now on without it (or a competitor). It’s that significant.”

In his widely publicised and debated post on Google+, he goes on to say that privacy is not an obstacle to the success of the Google headset and that its popularity will hinge on price alone.

In fact, he compares owning the device to the launch of the Apple II computer in terms of its importance in the history of consumer technology and to the launch of the first iPhone in terms of the excitement it has generated.

Scoble has undertaken a two-week review of the headset, in which he lauds it as “much more social than looking at a cell phone” since they don’t require him “to look away from you to use Google, or get directions, or do other things”.

The review comes as discussion in the tech press heats up regarding the issue of privacy and Google Glass.

Writing for ZDNet, Tom Foremski suggests that the much-hyped device will ultimately fail because: “It won’t be socially acceptable to be video or audio recording people around you without their permission, or to be online constantly without others knowing. It’s just creepy, and people won’t put up with people who wear them in their company.”

Scoble himself describes the camera as incredible: “I continue to be amazed with the camera. It totally changes photography and video. Why? I can capture moments. I counted how many seconds it takes to get my smartphone out of my pocket, open it up, find the camera app, wait for it to load, and then take a photo. Six to 12 seconds. With Google Glass? Less than one second. Every time. And I can use it without having hands free, like if I’m carrying groceries in from the car and my kids are doing something cute.”