Each month, Google releases a software update to Google Glass which brings new features, bug fixes, and pretty much makes the device a little bit more functional as an everyday device. As it is now mid December, this will be the last update that Glass owners will see this year, numbered XE12.
In the update, Google has finally brought support for sending and receiving messages via Hangouts to Glass. All you have to do is enable Hangouts Glassware, then update your messaging settings in the MyGlass application. But don’t worry, there’s a whole lot more in the update.
Users can also be extra creepy with this new feature; the ability to take a picture simply by winking your eye. That’s right, no vocal commands need to be given, and the screen doesn’t even need to be on. You’re so sneaky, Google. Please note, you will need the updated Glass hardware (v2) for the wink setting.
Whether it’s capturing an amazing sunset on an evening walk, or photographing your receipt for the lunch you’ll need to expense, you can now stay in the moment and wink to take a picture instantly. If you want to turn it on, just swipe over to Settings.
We’re starting with pictures, but just think about what else is possible. Imagine a day where you’re riding in the back of a cab and you just wink at the meter to pay. You wink at a pair of shoes in a shop window and your size is shipped to your door. You wink at a cookbook recipe and the instructions appear right in front of you – hands-free, no mess, no fuss. Pretty cool, right?
YouTube lovers will be happy to learn that uploading straight from Glass is now also possible – once you’re done recording your viral video, either tap on the video and swipe to the YouTube share card, or say “ok glass, share with YouTube.”
To top it off, a lockscreen has also been added in, allowing you to set up your very own secret handshake with Glass, made up of simple taps and swipes on the touchpad. This should give most owners of Glass a new sense of security if they place their devices down for a bit at their local Starbucks or Barnes & Noble.
If you’re an Explorer, you will undoubtedly want to pick up this update immediately.
Has anyone on the DL team bought one of these to test? I feel like you should for the coverage. Android Central is.
They have one. Kellen doesn’t use it for whatever reason.
Weird.
“Users can also be extra creepy with this new feature; the ability to take a picture simply by winking your eye. That’s right, no vocal commands need to be given”
As if people aren’t already assuming you’re taking creeper shots with this giant thing on your face.
I just tell people not to worry about the cameras they can see, worry about the ones you can’t see. Honestly if someone wants to take creepy candid shots they could buy a button-cam for far less money.
I’m passing on my Google Glass invite. I don’t have the $1500 available for this. 🙁
I just dont see why I can listen to music already on my phone. A Bluetooth earpiece can do this but for some reason I can’t have access to my music (yes i have Google Play stuff but its not the same) as well as the fact that I have to download the photo from G+ app to get it on the phone is kinda ridiculous. I know theyre trying to make this a standalone device but it should sync and work well with my other devices. I know its a developer edition so i really hope they can improve this experience
Which is exactly why Google is only releasing this to selective Explorers with the cash that want to contribute to the improvement of the product instead of just trying it for a week then throwing it in the trash. Google will only release this commercially once they interpret the feedback well enough to adjust the product to its final version. That still takes time.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m a developer for Glass myself. Trying my best to help add to the pool of apps and sending bug reports & suggestions when I can. I know it takes times and im a huge advocate for glass.
This is not a consumer product. This id for people who are willing to contribute to the development of Glass, like developers. If you bought this as a consumer expecting a polished product then, that’s your fault for not researching it first or reading the articles on what its all about.
Chill Bro. Look at my other reply.
That’s actually really legit. Can’t wait to see what this thing does when its available to consumers and what the price will be.
ahhhh the wink feature though!!!!
Getting better each and every month!
Oh yeah! I’ve been having so much fun with Glass. The reactions I get from people are priceless!
How does it know the difference between a wink and a blink if its only over one eye?
This is pure speculation, but if you wink and then blink you’ll notice the muscles used are quite different and winking requires more facial muscles (at least for me), so they may use this to distinguish the two.
That was one idea I had as well, not sure if that works for everyone though.
I’m not a good winker so I totally understand what you’re saying.
It’s based on timing of the blink, about half a second or so counts as a wink. There is an initial calibration needed prior to use.
It does not pick up on blinks. Not sure how they have done it but after using the new update for about six hours, it has yet to take a picture when I don’t want it to, only with deliberate winks. Pretty nifty.
I imagine that its a timing thing. Close eye for longer than two secs or something like that.
Ah, possibly
Not sure but this would be terrible for users with tourettes. I have tourettes and sometimes my involuntary eye tics can range from short blinks to long winks and even multiple at a time. I’d probably be taking more pictures than I could delete!
Also lets not forget about the glass “wake up” by tilting your head up. I’d drain that suckers battery quick with the neck tics I have too. Basically I should probably never own glass OR I should be a beta user, lol.
The wink is an option you have to enable, and I bet the “wake up” by tilting will be as well, if it isnt now.