New Delhi, April 24: Google Glass, Google's new eyeglass mounted computing device, is now real. It is one of the most awaited gadgets in the last one year as it takes wearable computing to a whole new level. But what exactly is Google Glass? Why is it attracting all this attention? Most people may regard it as a normal eyeglass, but Google Glass is a camera, display, touchpad, battery and microphone built into spectacle frames that has the ability to project information in front of our eyes. Google says the display is "the equivalent of a 25-inch high definition screen from eight feet away". Google Glass is light and handy and doesn't have lens as it adopts a projection display instead. Obviously, seeing things projected onto the inside lens of a pair of glasses makes true the phrase ''augmented reality.'' In turn this will also lead to a more efficient and connected life.According to specs released by Google, the eyewear comes fitted with a 640 x 360 display that is the "equivalent of a 25-inch high-definition screen from eight feet away." It is capable of capturing 5-megapixel images and video at a resolution of 720p. Google Glass features 16GB of Flash storage synced with Google cloud storage, of which 12GB will be usable. Bluetooth and WiFi will be built in, but no GPS chip - so the Glass will probably work best alongside an Android phone, although you can pair with any Bluetooth enabled phone. The frame will come with replacement and adjustable nosepads, and is expected to be both lightweight and extremely robust. Audio is transferred through Bone Conduction Transfer, the same mechanism that enables us to hear our own voice while we speak. The battery life on Glass is rated “one full day of typical use”, although battery intensive tasks such as Hangouts and video recording will drain the battery much faster than the typical usage.Now let us take a look at the top ten ways through which Google Glass can benefit us: Hands-free recording and sharingGlass does almost everything a smartphone does, hands-free. To snap a photo or video, you tell Glass to take it, and the display above your eye lights up for all to see. "It's really a device that wants to be outdoors, wants to be outside, wants to be with family and friends," says Google co-founder Sergey Brin.NavigationGlass gives you access to Google's powerful navigation system, which drivers can take advantage of while navigating through the city streets. Navigation through Google Glass comes from Google Maps. While commuting you can view distance, time-consuming, and directions.Capture everything liveGoogle Glass users can live in the moment, literally. No more searching for cameras for packing them. All you need it tune the settings of your photo apps, and say "Take a Photo" and your view at the moment is captured, hands-free.Capture videos for extreme sportsGive real-life tutorialsStart group conferenceGlass can also act as a webcam with the data connection from your home or smartphone. Use Google Hangout for a group conference. It has a powerful voice input feature that you can use to dictate text messages, attach videos and pictures alongwith and sending it via your mobile data connection.Never get lost againYou won't need to look for your smartphone again as with the help of Google Maps you can go hiking or skiing or through crowded streets. Translate local languages Now visiting a new place or country is not that difficult as now you can convert the currency rate, understand the measurement system (metric or not), or translate your questions and their answers on the spot. Get the fun facts, best drinking spots, and gain access to the local secrets.Live from the fieldGoogle Now knows when you're leaving your home for work and can warn you of bad traffic before you get stuck in it. Set your favourite sports team and Glass will give you all the latest news, scores and updates from the team, whenever they play.
