Google is coming to Durham next week for the first event at which the public can try out Google Glass, its wearable computer device encased in a titanium eyeglass frame.
“We’ve heard lots of people are interested in experiencing Glass first hand (errr face), so we’re taking Glass to cities across the U.S. to give you a chance to do just that,” Google said in a web post.
“We’re excited to announce that we’ll be kicking off in the Tar Heel State. Come try Glass, chat with the team, and enjoy local snacks and beverages.”
Those interested in attending can register online. There is no cost.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the American Tobacco Historic District’s Bay 7 venue. The campus is located on Blackwell Street across from Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
“The public is invited to come try Glass, which is not yet available to consumers,” Google said in an announcement released through Triangle marketing firm Largemouth Communications.
“Glass is a sleek and lightweight hands-free computer device encased in a titanium eyeglass frame that’s on when you need it and off when you don’t. From on-the-go maps to voice searches, video calls, photo sharing and more, Glass allows users to seamlessly interact with their technology without interrupting the flow of their everyday lives.”
Glass devices have been distributed to some 10,000 individuals across the nation for testing. They are called “Explorers.”
Google unveiled Glass in February.
Google Glass is at the forefront of a new wave of technology known as “wearable computing.” Google, Apple and several other companies also are working on Internet-connected wristwatches, according to published reports that have cited anonymous people familiar with the projects, The Associated Press noted recently.
Google Glass is supposed to perform many of the same tasks as smartphones, except the spectacles respond to voice commands instead of fingers touching a display screen. The glasses are equipped with a hidden camera and tiny display screen attached to a rim above the right eye.
The engineers who have been building Google Glass tout the technology as a way to keep people connected to their email, online social networks and other crucial information without having to frequently gaze down at the small screen on a smartphone. The hidden camera is designed to make it easy for people to take hands-free photos or video of whatever they are doing, whether it be bicycling, running, skiing, skydiving or just playing with friends and family, the AP noted.
The news is the second major announcement involving Google and the Triangle this week. On Wednesday, Google disclosed that it had chosen The American Underground – a shared office space and new business incubator located at the Tobacco District – as one of seven “tech hubs” it is establishing for entrepreneurs.
