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Google Glass: Here are the Stats, and Here Come the Stores. Also: Yea or Nay on Google Safety Goggles?

By Rain Noe - April 16, 2013

in Object Culture | UX

As Google Glass gets closer to its launch date, the search giant has released specs on what users can expect from the production models. The onboard camera will record 720p video and be able to shoot 5MP stills; audio will be piped into your dome via bone conduction; it will have Bluetooth and 802.11b/g WiFi; you'll have 12GB of storage; and the battery will reportedly last for "one full day of typical use." The 640×360 resolution of the video is claimed to be "the equivalent of a 25 inch high definition screen from eight feet away," but we'll need to see that in action.

Which we will, if we head out to San Francisco or Los Angeles. Word on the street (and by "street," we mean Buzzfeed) is that Google will be opening up their own retail stores, starting with California's big city. The physical storefronts will be meant to push not only Glass, but Android- and Chromebook-related products as well. There's no word on what the stores will look like or who will be designing them, but given that Apple's got the likes of Norman Foster on their stores/HQ and Facebook's got Gehry on "Facebook West," we'd be surprised if Google didn't go with a big-ticket architect/designer for the prestige.By the way, there's one interesting point drawn in the Google Glass FAQ: They oughtn't be used as safety goggles, the company says.

Glass can't protect your eyes from flying debris, balls, sharp objects, or chemical explosions. Using Glass while operating heavy or inherently dangerous equipment...could distract you, cause Glass to impact your eye, and lead you to harm yourself or others.

That's a shame. If they were able to make them protective, I'd love to have a pair on while woodworking. If I could quickly call up a particular dimension—"How long is Spreader A supposed to be," etc.—via voice control and have it projected on the display, I wouldn't have to keep going back and forth to refer to the plans. And I what I wouldn't give to say "What's 25 and 5/8ths divided by three" and have the glasses spit the figure out.

I suppose one rationale for not designing "smart" safety glasses is that if you're wearing them, you're presumably doing something dangerous and ought to keep your eyes on your work rather than a display. But the bulk of the time, when you're in between cuts, safety glasses are just sitting on your nose doing nothing. What do you think, good idea or bad?

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Paul

11 years ago

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What prevents you from putting safety glasses/eye protection over these, other than making them fit? These don't look so bulky. I would be surprised if complementary safety eyewear isn't being made right now.
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Lmo

11 years ago

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From OSHA >Criteria for PPE (personal protection equipment) >
Eye and face protection must comply with the American National Standards Institute, ANSI Z87.1-1989 standard if purchased after July 5, 1994 or ANSI Z87.1-1968 if purchased before July 5, 1994. [1910.133(b)(1), 1915.153(b), 1926.102(a)(2)]

Eye and face PPE shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer. [1910.133(a)(4)] >>

The following minimum requirements must be met by all protective devices. Protectors shall: >

Provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which they are designed *
Be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed *
Be reasonably comfortable when worn under the designated conditions *
Fit snugly and not unduly interfere with the movements of the wearer *
Be durable *
Be capable of being disinfected *
Be easily cleanable *
Be distinctly marked to facilitate identification only of the manufacturer * DESIGN FAIL

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Ken J

11 years ago

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Well if they can't be used as safety glasses, I'd assume that leaves an open market for HUD safety glasses. Hopefully any advertising would not be intrusive. I could see some cool AR applications for construction, industry, & crafts.
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Andy Polaine

11 years ago

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Working on the lathe, call up some plans on Google Glass, get served an ad for some nonsense, lose fingers.
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