They are only available to a select number of testers at this time, who also had to pay for that privilege and promise not to loan them out; but according to Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt, Glass for consumers is "probably a year-ish away".
He made the comment in an interview for BBC Radio 4"s "World at One" yesterday. The interview mainly covered Schmidt"s new book, Google"s UK tax policy, privacy, and more, although interviewer Martha Kearney did also ask briefly about Glass.
Schmidt also made it clear that Glass is currently being tested by thousands of developers, and the feedback from that usage over the next few months would prompt changes before being made available to consumers.
Specs
Google previously stated that there will be a "high resolution display" in Google Glass, which is apparently the "equivalent of a 25 inch high definition screen from eight feet [2.4 meters] away" - although other documents reveal that the actual resolution of the display is 640 x 360. When it comes to Glass" audio, it"s powered by a bone conduction transducer, removing the need for an in-ear earpiece and keeping the overall look quite sleek.
The camera on the eyepiece, is 5-megapixels and capable of 720p video recording. There"s also Wi-Fi 802.11b/g built in (no 802.11n apparently), as well as Bluetooth, a 16 GB flash memory chip (of which 12 GB is usable) and a battery good for "one full day of typical use". The packaging will also come with a microUSB charger for Glass, which Google advises you use to "preserve long and prosperous" use of the unit.
Google has also said that Glass will work with any Bluetooth capable phone and that they will cost less than the $1500 that developers had to pay.
Schmidt"s comments about Glass begin at the 32:30 mark in the radio program, while the interview itself begins at 27:45.
Source: The Verge | Image: Google