Google Glass

Google Glass - computerized glasses developed by Google Corporation. The device displays information on objects with which the user visually contacts. The gadget has a transparent display that attaches to the head and is located just above the right eye, and a camera capable of recording high-quality video.

Google Glass is an independent gadget running Android that can act as an AR headset to another device. The glasses appeared on sale in May 2014, but were not in wide demand due to the specifics of the control and the high price of the device. In January 2015, Google announced the termination of sales of the gadget, the official website was closed and the official pages of the project in social networks were empty.

In June 2017, Google Glass received its first firmware update since October 2014, and in July the launch of the Google Glass Enterprise Edition was announced.

2023: Glass Enterprise Edition End of Sales

On March 15, 2023, Google announced the termination of sales of Glass Enterprise Edition augmented (AR) reality glasses for corporate users. The demand for this gadget did not meet expectations.

After the commercial failure of the original Google Glass headsets, the company turned the product into AR glasses for employees of various enterprises, medical organizations, etc. In particular, in 2019, the Glass Enterprise Edition 2 was released for $999 on the Snapdragon XR1 hardware platform. But this project was not crowned with success: almost no one needed glasses. As a result, Google decided to put an end to this initiative.

Google Glass

As of March 15, 2023, we will no longer sell the Glass Enterprise Edition device. We will continue to support points until September 15, 2023. No software updates from Google are planned, the company's website says.

Google emphasizes that even after the end of support, the current owners of the glasses will be able to continue using them along with the existing software. However, as noted, the pre-installed Meet on Glass app may stop functioning at any time after September 15, 2023. No software updates are planned. But third-party software developers will be able to continue developing and supporting their Glass Enterprise Edition applications.

Stopping the release of Glass does not mean that Google has completely abandoned the development of augmented reality devices or smart glasses. As noted by 9to5Google, the company continues to work on AR headsets running Android. To interact with such gadgets, Google may develop a special bracelet or a special ring designed to be worn on a finger.^[1]

2019

Google Glass ceased to be spy equipment in Russia

July 18, 2019 State Duma adopted in the third reading the law on spy gadgets. The concept of "special equipment" was clarified and the "smart" Google Glass glasses, devices virtual reality and the like ceased to belong to them.

Spy devices began to be understood as means that are specially designed to secretly obtain information without the knowledge of its owner. Such equipment will not include household gadgets that can record audio and video or track geolocation and take pictures.

Google Glass and VR devices ceased to be spy equipment in Russia

As State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin explained, we are talking, for example, about GPS trackers for finding pets, glasses with a video camera or other devices with built-in video cameras.^[2]

True, control elements or marking indicating the purpose of the device should be openly placed on such devices.

 Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and the Code of Administrative Offenses were developed by the government. For the illegal production, acquisition and sale of spy gadgets by July 2019, there is criminal liability with a maximum punishment of imprisonment for up to four years.

Criminal liability is provided for the illegal acquisition and use of "devices, systems, complexes, devices, special tools for entering the premises and (or) to other objects software for electronic computers and other electronic devices for accessing information and (or) obtaining information from technical means of its storage, processing and (or) transmissions that have been intentionally given properties to provide the function of covert acquisition of information or access to it without the knowledge of its owner. "

They started talking about this bill after a press conference by Vladimir Putin in 2017. They discussed the situation when a Russian ordered a GPS beacon for a cow through an online store from China, which often leaves the herd. A criminal case was opened against him. It reached the court, but later it was stopped, because the citizen was not going to secretly receive any information.

Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 announcement. Price - $999

May 20, 2019 Google introduced a new model of "smart" glasses, which is designed for business users. We are talking about the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2, which costs $999, while the cost of the competing Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset starts at $3500.

Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 hardware platform, giving the device longer battery life than its predecessors. The processor is equipped with a separate unit for hardware acceleration of neural network algorithms, and is also capable of displaying 4K images at a frequency of up to 60 frames per second.

The novelty received a frame developed by Smith Optics, due to which it looks like ordinary glasses and is not as bulky as HoloLens.

The technical equipment of Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 includes 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of permanent memory, wireless modules Bluetooth and, Wi-Fi port -C USB. The software basis is operating system Android Oreo.

Google introduced smart glasses for business, which are 3.5 times cheaper than Microsoft

The camera resolution has grown from 5 to 8 megapixels, but the display resolution has remained unchanged - 640 x 360 pixels. The gadget is powered by a battery with a capacity of 820 milliampere hours, which, according to the developers, allows glasses to work 8 hours without recharging in normal operation.

At the presentation of the product, it was noted that the development of Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is carried out by the Google team, and not by the X division of Alphabet holding. The structural changes were due to the growing demand for virtual reality devices and the need to scale the Glass project. A number of major companies, including AGCO, Deutsche Post DHL Group, Sutter Health and H.B. Fuller, have already expressed a desire to purchase smart glasses for work purposes.^[3]

2017

Streye: updated Google Glass model

On August 14, it was reported that one of the participants in the Glass for Work program, which continued the work of augmented reality glasses after the closure of this project to a wide audience in 2015, put up for sale a slightly updated version of the gadget.^[4]

Streye model

So, for €1,550, users can purchase the Streye model, equipped with a screen with a resolution of 640 * 320 pixels, several services, support for Wi-Fi 2.4 and 5 GHz, Bluetooth LE and HID, a 5-megapixel camera (allows you to shoot video with a resolution of up to 720p), 32 GB of internal and 2 GB of RAM and a 780 mAh battery.

The updated model works with applications specially designed for it, mainly intended for shooting video. However, support for Google services, familiar to users of the first generation device, is not implemented in the device.

Restarting Google Glass: Enterprise Edition

On July 18, 2017, Alphabet parent company Google and lab owner Alphabet X (The Moonshot Factory) introduced augmented reality Google Glass glasses in the Enterprise Edition (Glass EE). [Google ^[5]

As noted, Glass EE glasses have been tested over the past two years in the corporate environment of more than 50 different enterprises. USA Thanks to positive feedback, Alphabet made the decision to commercialize the project, and the glasses will now be available to any corporate customers through Google's partner network.

Google Glass Enterprise Edition

Glass EE augmented reality glasses are still small lightweight glasses with a built-in computer with a translucent screen on the glass of the glasses, but their design is almost no different from ordinary protective glasses.

Glass EE transfers the image to the retina, records videos and takes photos, allows you to search and see the results. Most functions are executed using voice commands. The camera control button is mounted on a frame hinge and performs a dual function, allowing you to remotely connect a separate part of the device's electronics called the Glass Pod. The device can also be used with diopter lenses.

Glass EEs are positioned by the manufacturer as a useful tool for many areas of activity, including manufacturing, logistics, field services, healthcare, and so on. Due to the fact that the information is displayed at eye level, the employee practically does not have to refocus the look from the broadcast content to the hands and the work being done.

Glass EE glasses can be used in various fields of activity

Google Glass Explorer Edition is distinguished from the household version of Explorer Edition by:

• faster processor;
• Support for faster Wi-Fi networks
• Longer battery life (more than 8 hours on a single charge)
• possibility of connecting an external battery with intensive use of glasses;
• built-in camera resolution of 8 MP (with 5 MP);
• LED indication of video recording mode.

The glass for Enterprise Edition glasses is manufactured by 3M, but as the device grows in popularity, other manufacturers of optics and eyewear frames, such as Warby Parker or Ray-Ban, may be among the manufacturers.

According to Google, a number of different startups have previously tried to adapt the consumer version of Google Glass for various locations.Glass EE developers have formalized this structure, creating an ecosystem to support partners who purchase glasses directly from Alphabet and are working on their adaptation together with the Glass Enterprise team. It is planned that these partners will deal with the delivery of a full package of equipment for corporate customers, including hardware and software.

XE23 Release Notes

Glass glasses augmented reality Google , considered a "dead project," received^[6] in June 2017 the first firmware update since October 2014. This is reported by TechCrunch^[7][8]

The glasses received an update to the proprietary software XE23, and an update to the MyGlass application for mobile devices for was also released. Android After installing the update, the glasses support Bluetooth keyboard and mouse connection. Initially, the owners of the AR headset were forced to use software from other developers to connect traditional input devices, now this feature is built into the Google Glass firmware.

As noted by^[9] Android Police, it is not completely clear how exactly to perceive the firmware update after such a break in work on the project - the previous update was XE22 released in October 2014. Perhaps the released update is just a long-written, but not published firmware. Also, XE23 may be a side result of the work of developers in the Glass at Work project, in which another version of AR glasses is provided to Google partner organizations, and not to private users.

2015: Google Glass Testing at DHL

In mid-August 2015, it became known about testing Google Glass by DHL employees for work purposes. It turned out that computerized glasses can improve the efficiency of logistics operations, the packaging process and product selection. More on this is written here.

Notes