Google Sets To Put Secretive AR Glasses To The Test In The Real World
Mention “Google” and “glasses” in the same sentence, and you’re bound to be reminded of the technology giant’s first foray into the smart eyewear business—which, to put it lightly—didn’t fare too well.
Now, it seems whispers that the company is working on “innovative” augmented-reality glasses have been true, with Google revealing it is planning to shift its prototypes from the laboratory into the real world.
“Testing only in a lab environment has its limitations. So starting next month, we plan to test AR prototypes in the real world. This will allow us to better understand how these devices can help people in their everyday lives,” the firm says in a blog post.
The tech behemoth explains that certain factors, such as changing weather and busy intersections, are difficult—or nearly impossible—to fully replicate indoors, hence the need to bring its latest innovations out for a spin.
If you’re thinking of getting your hands on these new-and-improved models, it’s unlikely they’ll be hitting store shelves anytime soon. Google says it will only be starting a small-scale test in public settings, with the help of a few dozen employees and trusted testers.
While the prototypes will include in-lens displays, microphones, and cameras, these features will have “strict limitations” on their functions, and won’t be able to snap pictures or film videos, though it could translate a menu into a different language in real-time.
“It’s early, and we want to get this right, so we’re taking it slow, with a strong focus on ensuring the privacy of the testers and those around them,” the company concluded.
