Google developed Project Glass, which produced Google Glass - an augmented reality headset that functions like a smartphone and displays information through a lens. Google Glass was available for beta testing in 2013 for $1,500. It uses voice commands and has Bluetooth, WiFi, and runs on Android. Early versions were titanium framed glasses compatible with prescriptions. Google Glass allows for hands-free tasks like maps, photos, and calls without taking out a phone. However, critics argue Glass can be distracting, rude to others who aren't aware they are being recorded, increase stress, and are awkward to use for regular web surfing.

2. Google's project program for developing a line of hands-free, head-mounted
intelligent devices that can be worn by users as "wearable
computing" eyewear. The first product release from Project Glass,
Google Glass, was available for beta testers (U.S. residents only) to purchase
in 2013, for $1,500 plus tax.

3. Interactive Glass Features
Google Glasses look like a pair of eyeglasses, but the lens of the glasses are an
interactive, smartphone-like display, with natural language voice command
support as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Google Glass is powered by
the Android mobile operating system and compatibility with both Android-
powered mobile devices and Apple iOS-powered devices is expected.

5. Early Versions and Beta Testing
Early versions of Google Glass were titanium-framed
glasses (that fit with your prescription or no
prescription at all) to show communications from your
smartphone or Google accounts in the display. Google
Glass was designed to take phone calls, send texts
and also take photos and video and deliver search
results. The wearable computing device is also keyed
to voice commands, for example to take a picture you
simply say "take a picture" to capture what is in your
view.

6. The Advantages of Google Glass
 Hands Free: The currently most popular applications for Google Glasses are
continuous hands free tasks, such as video recording, maps/directions, and
clock/date apps.
 Convenience: The second most obvious advantage of Google Glasses are
convenience apps, such as taking photos with just a push of a button, head or
eye movement, or voice command without the need of taking out a cell
phone or camera from a pocket or bag, possibly turning it on, then starting
the camera application, and then finally aiming the camera to take the
photo.
 Multitask: With Google Glasses, users no longer have to look away from the
task that they are performing. For instance, drivers do not need to take their
eyes off the road if they need directions.
 Open Platform: Any developer or company can implement new applications
on the open platform of Google Glasses.

7. The Disadvantages of Google Glass
 Distraction: Imagine doing an important task and being continuously or
suddenly distracted by audio and/or visual information that does not pertain
to that task. For instance, Google Glass users could be talking with someone
when they are simultaneously bombarded with advertisements or emails. An
even worse example is if users are driving a car, then any distraction could
become very dangerous. Therefore, distractions from Google Glasses could be
much worse than simple information overload with liability concerns.
 Rudeness: Additionally, many people consider Google Glass users to be rude
when they are or can be distracted by the devices.
 Privacy: Other people are not aware if and when they are being recorded by
Google Glass users, unlike a regular camera or cell phone when it is much
more obvious when they are recording. Furthermore, people even behave
differently when they believe that they could possibly be recorded. As a
result, people are socially wary and even shun people who wearing Google
Glasses.

8.  Stress: With the always online culture with cell phones, tablets, and
computers causing social and information overload, the lack of winding down
periods has increased stress and anxiety in the population in general. With
Google Glasses that can be always worn and in use, stress and anxiety will
probably be significantly worse.
 Surfing: Using Google Glasses for regular Internet surfing is a combination of
both awkwardness and clumsiness. Thus, Google Glass is not as convenient
and easy to use as a computer, tablet, or even a cell phone.
 Anti-Social: Google Glasses promote anti-social behavior, such as being
distracted, looking like a nerd or dork, privacy/recording infringement,
rudeness, and even paranoia.
 Ugly: Many people consider Google Glasses unsightly and even ugly. The
aesthetics of the device could be greatly improved on, such as making them
less visible or an add-on to existing eyeglasses or even sunglasses to hide
them better.
 Price: Google Glasses will be available to the general public in the fourth
quarter of 2013 with the final price not yet announced. However, the current
price for each unit is somewhere between US$500 and US$1500. Fortunately,
they are mostly made with common parts that can be easily manufactured in
very large quantities. As a result, the eventual price of Google Glasses will
probably be very cheap if they become popular enough.

9. How it Feels [through
Google Glass]