Google Glass comes on the scene

Changes and advances in technology are quickly zooming into territory that previously belonged only to science fiction. One of the most recent of these developments is the introduction of the Google Glass, wearable technology giving the wearer a display mounted on a frame resembling ordinary eyeglasses. The announcement of this device excited a lot of discussion of all sorts, even among L.A. computer repair experts.

Google’s latest innovation – wearable technology

What Is It?

The key element of Google Glass is the optical head-mounted display (OHMD).  The display is described as a Liquid Crystal on Silicon, field-sequential color, LED illuminated display. Anyone who pays slight attention to technology will find the terms “liquid crystal” and “LED” familiar. So to that extent, the technology involved simply pushing these things a step further.  Basically, the data images are beamed at the LCoS panel, which is then reflected a couple of times, right into the wearer’s eye.

The Glass responds to touch commands on the frame at the wearer’s right temple, or to voice commands. These features contribute to the sense of immediacy in the design of the device. It also includes a camera that can capture anything the wearer looks at.

Pros and Cons

The announcement of the device led to a great deal of discussion of the merits and debits that may be associated with it. Some contend that the camera feature is very intrusive to other people’s privacy. Others are concerned that the device’s system could be easily vulnerable to hacking, simply by taking photos of malicious code.

The advantage is that information of all sorts is immediately available to the wearer. Weather, business stocks, traffic conditions can all be brought right to the wearer’s field of vision. Any of the data sources that the user would hunt for on an internet computer would be right with the wearer at all times.

The fact that the display reflects into the wearer’s field of vision has been a safety concern. If texting and monitor screens can be a distraction of vehicle drivers, many contend that the Google Glass would be even more so. Some regions have already taken steps to prevent drivers from wearing the Glass while driving.

Availability

The Explorer edition of Google Glass was put on the market in April 2013 for a mere $1,500. This is outside the reach of most people. Also, there are still, as yet, only a few practical uses for the device, so most people are still sticking with the more familiar and less expensive means of connectivity, in smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers.

Wearable computing is certainly edging into reality, but as a feature of everyday life, it is still a bit more fiction than fact. In the meantime, it would be the wise computer user who keeps the computers and smartphones in good repair. To keep your devices in the best of functional states, have them checked out from time to time, by experts in computer repair,  like those of Los Angeles PC Fixer.