Norton Scientific : Google Goggles Use Augmented Reality

[nortonresearch]

http://nortonscientificjournal.com/research/2012/03/23/google-goggles-use-augmented-reality/

Google Goggles Use Augmented Reality

Before the year ends, we might see the dawn of another trend on
digital devices as Google is set to launch Goggles, basically an
eyewear with smartphone capability. The lenses will serve as a monitor
where you can view information, entertainment and advertisements
wherever you are. It focuses on the projection of an information layer
over physical objects that you see or what is called augmented
reality.

Though no one has confirmed seeing the Google glasses firsthand,
rumors continue flying as Norton Scientific Journal reported in detail
about the product. This might be because it is being developed in the
uber secretive offices of Google X, a laboratory near Google’s main
campus where engineers/scientists are working on other projects.

Goggles will reportedly use the same Android OS that powers tablets
and smartphones, equipping the glasses with motion sensors and GPS.
The eyeglasses will also sport audio I/O and camera.

Via the built-in camera on the eyeglasses, Google can stream and
overlay information to the wearer. For example, if the wearer is
looking at a landmark, he would be able to see detailed information
and perhaps, comments about it left by his friends. And if ever facial
recognition software is approved to be used in such a scale, the
glasses could also enable the wearer to read details about the person
he is looking at. On a more plausible and fun side, Goggles can be
used for virtual reality games with the real world as playground.

As expected, Google will integrate its other services to the glasses
such as Google Latitude and Google Maps, which would be a huge help
especially if you want to know how far you are from your destination,
what the weather is like and other local details.

Though Google Goggles is said to have more focus on objects than
people, an advocacy group for web privacy has requested FTC to suspend
the use of facial recognition programs. Electronic Privacy Information
Center suggested that until the government has figured out proper
privacy standards to protect users, such products should not be made
available.

Google Goggles is said to be like the design of Oakley Thump and will
overlay the screen with contextual information as opposed to browser-
like pages we see on smartphones. Operating it can be as simple as
tilting your head back and forth. And although these spectacles can
look really cool, they are not designed for constant use.

With it, comes inherent privacy concerns. Perhaps that’s a reason why
Google is taking its time before launching the product, and rightly
so. People should at least be able to tell if they are being recorded
by a person with a camera on his eyewear.

Now these ultra modern glasses seem to be one of the pieces Google
wants to have in order to know what users are doing and where they are
going to 24/7. Recently, Google has already announced a unification of
its 60 online services for, apparently, continuous online tracking.

The Google Goggles will reportedly cost up to USD 600, just like a
smartphone, and will be available before the year ends. As of new,
Google does not seem ready to deny or confirm anything about a smart
eyewear in development.