Google ships first Google Glass units, releases API and reveals tech specs

2013-04-16_104304

Google has just took a major step into making the Glass-wearing future they envision a reality. The company has just announced that the first units meant for those in the Glass Explorers program are now shipping, the API and documentation have been released and they’ve also revealed all the tech specs of the device so we geeks can pour over them! Oh, and the Android companion app, MyGlass has also officially gone live — but we can’t really do much with it now, can we? Unless you’ve got your hands on Google Glass, because then you could and, we hate you.

Now for the good stuff! Here are the Google Glass tech specs, straight from the official tech specs page:

Fit

  • Adjustable nosepads and durable frame fits any face.
  • Extra nosepads in two sizes.

Display

High resolution display is the equivalent of a 25 inch high definition screen from eight feet away.

Camera

  • Photos – 5 MP
  • Videos – 720p

Audio

  • Bone Conduction Transducer

Connectivity

  • Wifi – 802.11b/g
  • Bluetooth

Storage

  • 12 GB of usable memory, synced with Google cloud storage. 16 GB Flash total.

Battery

One full day of typical use. Some features, like Hangouts and video recording, are more battery intensive.

Charger

  • Included Micro USB cable and charger.

While there are thousands of Micro USB chargers out there, Glass is designed and tested with the included charger in mind. Use it and preserve long and prosperous Glass use.

Compatibility

  • Any Bluetooth-capable phone.
  • The MyGlass companion app requires Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher. MyGlass enables GPS and SMS messaging.

One peculiar thing missing is the lack of what resolution that screen displays. Instead, it’s relegated to the description of “the equivalent of a 25 inch high definition screen from eight feet away.” Come on Google, how definition are we talking here? If you’re gonna provide all these details, might as well provide all of them.

Also compatibility states that any Bluetooth-capable phone is compatible but also says that the MyGlass companion app requires Android 4.0.3. Does Glass require the companion app? Maybe not, since putting “Any Bluetooth-capable phone” would be pointless, but it would have been nice if they clearer on this requirement.

Finally, another thing that might stick out for some is battery life. Google Glass will apparently only have enough juice for a single day. Will that be a problem? Who knows. But Google could easily make things much better with a good inductive-charging dock to minimize the inconvenience of having to plug the thing in everyday after use.

This is exciting stuff! Expect to see more impressions of the device in the not too distant future, as I am sure those who are receiving it will be keen to share. I, personally, just can’t wait to get my hands on a device with a Bone Conduction Transducer. Who wouldn’t?

What do you think of the Google Glass tech specs? Let us know in the comments!

[via Google, Engadget]

Related Posts