Google announces revised Glass hardware with 2GB of RAM

Google has announced an update to its Glass hardware via its Google+ page. The headline change is the doubling of the amount of RAM to 2GB in order to provide users better performance. The additional RAM "will allow for more Glassware [apps] to run in parallel and for each Glassware to start more quickly," said Steve Lee, Glass product manager, reports The Verge. "You'll notice the device generally feels a bit faster and more reliable."

Google also highlighted some other tweaks to Glass including a bigger battery and software enhancements, which combine to extend the battery life this wearable technology by over 20 per cent. "There's some things we can do with hardware, but the more consistent improvements simply come with the OTA updates we do regularly," said Lee regarding the software updates.

In addition to the updates mentioned above, Google has introduced some new software called Viewfinder which will help users frame photos better with white L frames in the corners of the Glass screen (see the doggy below). More Google Now cards are also being launched, including one for tracking packages and one for remembering where your car is parked.

Unfortunately, current Glass owners will not be getting the 'V2' upgrade without forking out for a new pair, but the update does come in good time for the UK launch.

Glass Livestream App

Those who have criticised Glass for privacy concerns may have even more to chew over, as Google has officially started offering a Livestream video-sharing app in its MyGlass store, reports the WSJ. Users of the app will be able to share what they are currently seeing and hearing with other Livestream account holders free of charge.

"Obviously, there are privacy concerns with Google Glass," said Max Haot, Livestream Chief Executive. "But if you think of it more as a professional tool, we think it has a great future."

Google I/O

More news about Google's hardware and software will be coming thick and fast once Google I/O 2014 kicks off tonight. We are expecting the announcement of Android Wear and related smartwatches such as the Moto 360 and LG G Watch. Also we hope to see the unveiling of Android 5 Lollipop and what it brings in new features. On the hardware side of things there are rumours of an HTC made Nexus 9 tablet (with a Tegra K1 chip) and Google is pushing further into the connected TV market with Android TV. We will keep you updated as the official Google news releases emerge.

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I'm still having trouble answering the question: “To what problem is Glass the solution?”

Otherhand
I'm still having trouble answering the question: “To what problem is Glass the solution?”

The problem of having to get out your phone to change the track, or take a picture (for which a slate shape isn't ideal), or read a message, or get directions while moving etc etc.

To those problems it is one solution of many, a solution we're going to see later today is smart watches. Try those, then we'll see if glass has merit, it might well do since with either a phone or a smart watch you end up looking down at a device and ignoring the world

The headline change is the doubling of the amount of RAM to 2GB in order to provide users better performance.

So much for the “it's light on resource use” - looks like 2GB is becoming the minimum for any Google OS. :(

Otherhand
I'm still having trouble answering the question: “To what problem is Glass the solution?”

Watching movies while driving/cycling;
Stalking;
Pirating cinema films;
Voyeurism;
etc

Joking aside, it seemed to me to be one of those “we do this because we can” type devices. Either that or it's a counterblast to the increasing bulk of “convential” phones that are getting thinner but wider/taller. What I'd prefer is some kind of contact lens display, wirelessly powered, with the phone electronics in a little lighter-sized box in your pocket, (with the box also able to double up as storage/cleaning for the lens units).

Then again, there's some Glass Explorers on Hexus - at least some folks who've used it - so maybe they've got a killer use they'd like to share?

Maybe we could use Google glass on Moose and stop them falling off cliffs and running into roads.

CampGareth
The problem of having to get out your phone to change the track, or take a picture (for which a slate shape isn't ideal), or read a message, or get directions while moving etc etc.

To those problems it is one solution of many, a solution we're going to see later today is smart watches. Try those, then we'll see if glass has merit, it might well do since with either a phone or a smart watch you end up looking down at a device and ignoring the world

Perhaps, if you actually find your phone is a hassle. I don't, and it could be a long time until high quality camera tech becomes small enough to fit in Glass. I think the ability to get directions while moving causes worse problems than it solves; alright if you're on a bus (in which case, you could use your hands and a phone), potentially deadly if you're driving or riding a bike.

I agree that we need to deal with the problem of ignoring the world, but that's a matter of manners. I don't do that, and pick my moments to check the phone carefully, and so do my friends and family. I don't see how Glass makes this any better, and in fact it exacerbates it. It's a constant reminder that a person may not be giving you their full attention, unlike the occasional sleight of someone peering into their phone in mid-conversation.

I know it's a losing battle, and sooner or later this stuff is going to be in a contact lens. I think I'll miss smartphones when that day comes.

Google announces revised Glass hardware with 2GB of RAM

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