Abu Dhabi Week takes a look at Google’s latest innovation – the impressive Google Glass
Google Glass is the start of a technological revolution. The signs are that this technology behind these space-age specs will really take off within the coming years. But has this gadget been prematurely released and what does $1,500 get you?
Well firstly you get a very sleek looking pair of glasses which once on, are more often than not mistaken for usual spectacles.
They are light and durable; don’t fret too much if you drop them. The high-resolution display is the equivalent of a 25-inch high-definition screen from eight feet away. The screen is like the desktop of your computer.
From here, by simply saying “OK Glass” you can access the Internet, take videos and photos and even receive and send emails and texts. Basic searches like the weather are easily recognised with more complex searches still proving difficult.
The Glass camera can shoot video up to 720p which can then be shared with either YouTube or to contacts via Google+ when connected to the net. The 16GB memory allows videos and pictures to be stored on the unit itself before transferring at a later date to your own hard drive or Cloud backup account.
It also comes with GPS to aid in location tracking and will sport touch controls on the device itself and the built-in microphone also allows for voice-control.
The glasses are Wi-Fi enabled along with Bluetooth. These connections allow you to
link your phone whilst out-and-about and if you’re in a Wi-Fi area, you can connect this way too. But are there any cracks in the Google Glass framework?
As this is new technology and in a way, a prototype piece of kit, there are already minor problems with the headgear.
Google announced the glasses will have five hours battery life but with regular use of internet, video recording and other communication apps, this figure is more like two hours.
Syncing your phone via Bluetooth is also a great battery drainer on both glasses and your phone.
Potential buyers are also advised to try before they buy, as some people have found it difficult to focus on the screen. Google has recommended that owners of the product should start with one hour a day for the first week of purchase.
Finally, the glasses don’t fold away like normal glasses. This means it isn’t very pocket friendly. Social media groups have been regularly discussing the concern on the privacy of the public. With the ability to actively record/photograph in public places, is this going to be an invasion of privacy? Or could they be a useful tool in society? Police and other public services can benefit from recording video and especially the GPS. Right now, there are barely any being used on our streets but as this is a developing technology, we will be sure to see more and more of the glasses framing the faces of different communities. So the question is, could they be more of a hindrance than a help?
Our verdict at Abu Dhabi Week – well this is undoubtedly an exciting start to the Google Glass product. As time goes by, we are sure to see a higher memory capacity, better screen resolution and a more developed operating system.
We suggest waiting for the second or even the third generation of this tech, then
this will be a piece of technology which will not be a sight for sore eyes and could be the essential ‘must have’ new gadget for everyone to wear out in public.
Our favourites: Top 3 Islamic apps
Qur’an Tafsir
This app provides Qur’an translations, explanations and syntax in 56 languages. Font size is fully adjustable and recitation can be looped or slowed down to help memorise certain verses or sentences. Quick search options for ‘Sura’ and ‘Aya’ are available along with several other helpful features.
Athkar
This free Arabic application is used by many for its concise and user friendly features. It divides ‘Athkars’ and ‘Duas’ into clear categories depending on the time of the day which include morning, night and before prayer timings. It is clear cut and simple to use. Plus it’s ad free.
Qibla AR
Using Augmented Reality technology, this will help guide muslims on which direction to pray. It shows the Holy Site as if it were in front of you. It also has some neat little features that are sure to be of interest too.
App: WeChat
Feeling a little too lazy to type out your text? The WeChat app allows you send not only pictures and words, but also little voice clips, just like a walkie-talkie. Press; hold; record; send. Easy.
YouTube: GoPro Danny MacAskill’s Imaginate
Honey I shrunk the cyclist! This man has the skills to pay the bills. Recreating his childhood bike circuits, pro rider MacAskill turns the once toy-sized ramps into a life size course for him to tackle. Flips, endos and skids – watch out for the loop-the-loop.
Tweet of the week: from @SkyCricket
For all those Ashes fans out there! This Twitter account will keep you up to date on all the runs, wickets and controversial decisions of the current Ashes Test in the UK. It’s filled with pundit quotes and even some entertaining pictures. The one above is captioned “Ready for the Test”
Very useful! Thanks