Glassware apps coming soon with Google Glass update

Here's an update many users of Google Glass have long been waiting for: the ability to install third-party apps to go with their wearable tech.

A report on Geek.com said this could be one of the biggest updates the Glass developer team has been delivering to the platform on a monthly basis.

"Multiple sources have now confirmed to Geek.com that the update offers developers access to the sensors in Glass for use in motion tracking and development. Developers will also be able to create their own voice commands through Glassware, giving the user the ability to launch the app from the 'OK Glass' menu if they so choose," it said.

It added this may come in the next update - XE10 on Explorer Edition headsets. As such, it could be the most significant update yet for both developers and users.

Google usually releases updates to Glass within the first half of each month. Other updates by the Glass team had included extended battery life, better camera quality, and improved connection stability with smartphones.

Geek.com noted developers had gone to Google and signed non-disclosure agreements in exchange for space in the Googleplex to work with the Glass team.

"Month by month, Google brings Glass one step closer to being a viable platform that will make sense to average users, and bring wearable computing further into the mainstream," it noted. – KDM, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Google Glass gets web browser, other 'awesome' upgrades

Glass, Google's high-tech wearable computing device, is getting another addition to its "awesomeness"—its own web browser.

In a Google Plus post, Google Glass's developers also said they are powering up the voice experience to help Glass users "communicate better with the people you care about.

"We've been exploring ways to let you quickly dive deeper and get exactly the information you need, right when you need it," they said.

 A Google Glass user can scroll by sliding a finger forward on the touchpad to scroll down; or zoom by sliding two fingers forward or backward to zoom.

The user can also look around by moving his or head around to pan, with two fingers down on the touchpad.

A user can also make the equivalent of a click by tapping to select anything in the center of the screen.

Google is also adding to its handsfree features, so a user "can get things done without having to lift a finger."

"Let’s say your friend texts you. You can now say 'okay Glass, read aloud' to hear it and answer with 'okay Glass, reply.' Mom calling? Just say 'okay Glass, answer call.' Boyfriend away on business? Send that selfie straight away with 'okay Glass, share with Felix,'“ it said.

Also, a user can tap to send a message or make a phone call to any of his or her Gmail  contacts. — VC, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Taking photos with a wink? There's a Google Glass app for that

Taking photos may soon be as simple as just winking, once this prospective app for Google's Glass platform makes it out of the laboratory.

Winky, code being formulated by developer Mike DiGiovanni, can do away with voice commands or tapping on the touchscreen to take a photo, tech site CNET reported.


"The current Google Glass Explorer Edition is geared toward developers, so DiGiovanni figures that most of them will know how to do this," CNET said.


DiGiovanni's code uses a wink option spotted recently by Reddit user fodawim Google Glass' MyGlass companion.

Google Glass is the search giant's newest attempt at wearable computing, integrating a camera, a computer and a heads-up display into an eyepiece.

But Winky isn't coming out as a polished app anytime soon - it's still pure Android source code and needs to be compiled and run as an APK (application package file).

"Google Glass owners can download the source code through DiGiovanni's GitHub site. After creating and running the APK, Glass users need only calibrate and then activate Winky to start winking away," CNET said. — TJD, GMA News

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source: gmanetwork.com