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About Google Glass: the Basics

Google Glass (pictured at left) is a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display that is being developed by Google in the Project Glass research and development project. Google's mission is to produce a mass-market pervasive computer [i.e., computing that can appear everywhere and anywhere]. Google Glass displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format that can interact with the Internet via natural language voice commands.

Here is more information about the Google Glass research and development project from Engadget's comprehensive – and excellent – overview:

…it's not a pair of "Google Glasses," but a single Google Glass headset. Glass has a very simple, clean design that, in some regards, is beautiful and elegant; in others, crude and clumsy. We'll start with the elegant bits, most compelling being the plastic-backed titanium band that sweeps around and forms the frame.

From here, two nose grippers (also titanium) arc down, each one terminating with a clear silicone pad. These pads are replaceable and tacky enough to keep the whole assembly from immediately sliding down your nose.

All the circuitry for the device lies in two plastic housings, one that rests behind your ear (containing the battery and bone conductive speaker) and a second that's up front (with the processor, camera and display assembly). The side of the forward portion is also touch-sensitive, forming a … slender trackpad.

Glass can function with a WiFi or Bluetooth data connection – it is a fully independent device. This means you can leave your phone behind and walk around anywhere with WiFi without losing connection.

The display in Glass is an interesting one. When wearing the headset, you can look straight through the transparent part and barely even see it. It only minimally refracts the light that's beaming toward your eye. But, if you look at it from above, you can clearly see the reflective surface embedded inside at a 45-degree angle, forming the display your eyes see.

The panel itself is off to the right, built into the headset and beaming light into the clear piece from the side, which then hits that sliver of material and reflects into your eye. It's an interesting arrangement and the net result is, indeed, a glowing image that appears to be floating in space. Google says it's "the equivalent of a 25-inch high definition screen from eight feet away."

The full Engadet review (with photos) describes how to activate Glass; use touch controls and voice commands; and take photos and videos.