Google Glass, a state-of-the-art device that takes photos, tweets and displays directions all through simple voice commands, may still have some kinks to work out, but the high-tech product is pushing the boundaries of interactive technology.

The School of Information Studies held an information session and demonstrated Google Glass on Wednesday in the Innovation, Collaboration and Entrepreneurship room, also known as the ICE Box, in Hinds Hall. More than 50 students attended the event, and many lined up to try on Google Glass.

“I feel a younger generation would be a more keen audience for Google Glass,” said Bob O’Brien, a senior information management and technology major.

O’Brien participated in the Google Glass Explorer competition last February and was one of 10,000 people chosen for a “right to purchase” the device. Each glass costs $1,500 but cannot be purchased online or in-store. The product is only available through Google offices at various locations.

Google Glass is a wearable optical head-mounted display (OHMD). It has a CPU board, processor, 640 x 360 display, a 16GB flash memory, a camera and a touchpad. To initiate certain functions, the user speaks “OK, Glass,” followed by a command. It can also be operated by touch.

The device can be synced with a Google account and has the basic features of a smartphone, like the ability to capture pictures and videos. It can take phone calls and texts when connected with a cellular data plan. The device can also be used to browse a basic form of the web and can download applications when connected to Wi-Fi.

One of the major advantages of Google Glass is its heads-up display, which allows the user to stay hands-free.

“The display box pops right in front of your eye,” O’Brien said. “You don’t need to take out your phone every time you receive an email, a phone call or a text message.”

People can remain socially active by using Google Glass, as it can send tweets, give directions and browse and post content on Facebook. But O’Brien said he feels it is more of a “companion” device. It can aid the user in the already existing functions of mobile devices.

The device, however, currently doesn’t sync with iPhones for messages or phone calls. These functions can only be used on the device through an Android phone.

“It’s a new user interface,” said Ying Huang, an electrical engineering and computer science graduate student. “Anything like this has never been made before.”

During the demonstration session, many students had difficulty adjusting to Google Glass. Other disadvantages included the device’s low battery power and poor capability to “hear” the user.

“The battery life isn’t great,” O’Brien said. “If you are using the device only for the photos and videos, it would last you for an hour and a half, at most. But if not, then it would probably last you through a work day.”

Abrar Almjally, an information management graduate student, said she didn’t like the device after she tested out the product. She pointed out diction issues with Glass.

“The glass doesn’t catch the words with ease, and also it has very basic features,” Almjally said.

O’Brien said Google Glass is more like a novelty, and the interface still needs a lot of work before people can pick it up and understand it right away. He said that’s probably why it’s not available for general sale yet.

O’Brien is also concerned with the wearability and the aesthetics of the device.

“My skepticism would be whether they would be able to make these look like normal glasses and make the display work better,” O’Brien said. “As of now, the device looks a little goofy, and people are having trouble at first trying to adjust their eyes to the display.”

However, O’Brien said he is excited with Google Glass’s launch, as it has opened an avenue to test its functionality and usability.

He also said the iSchool is looking for student developers and creative types who might be interested in getting involved with projects using Google Glass technology.

“We are thinking of ideas for an application,” O’Brien said. “It will mostly be education-related. We are looking for people to work with us — people who have creative ideas and also people who can work on the technicalities like coding.”

Published on October 10, 2013 at 2:18 am

Contact Manmeet: mksahni@syr.edu