In the ever-growing galaxy of “apps” that do just about anything, what about eye wear that at the command of your voice will:

  • Translate
  • Take photos
  • Provide directions
  • Send a text
  • And search

Welcome to a  new, brave world of computing is headed our way, courtesy of Google Glass. Think of Glass as being a heads-up display (HUD) data you might use in a car (or fighter jet) but you control with your voice. (Remember Clint Eastwood at the controls of a Soviet futuristic fighter in the movie “Firefox”?)

And you have a chance to help shape how this universe of applications will be used.

On Wednesday, Google unveiled a video and additional details about its wearable computer project known as Glass. The newest touch is voice commands, which Google demonstrates in the video and with several still images.

While Glass has been discussed a great deal in recent months and Google co-founder Sergey Brin has been photographed wearing Glass, the video as well as Google’s asking for testers (or “Explorers”) is taking the project to new levels of near-reality with a formal launch expected in 2014.

Here’s how Google says you can help – but you have to be willing to pay $1,500 for a prototype and also travel to New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles to pick it up:

“We’re looking for bold, creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass. We’d love to make everyone an Explorer, but we’re starting off a bit smaller. We’re still in the early stages, and while we can’t promise everything will be perfect, we can promise it will be exciting.

“Using Google+ or Twitter, tell us what you would do if you had Glass, starting with the hashtag #ifihadglass.

  • Your application must be 50 words or less
  • You must include #ifihadglass in your application
  • You can include up to 5 photos with your application
  • You can include a short video (15 secs max)
  • Be sure to follow us on Google+ (+ProjectGlass) or Twitter (@projectglass) so that we can contact you directly
  • You must be at least 18 years old and live in the U.S. to apply
  • For more details, please see our full Terms and FAQ
  • Ready to go?”

The deadline to apply is Feb. 27, so applicants don’t have much time.

“If you are chosen, we will reach out to you with an invitation to become a Glass Explorer (please remember to follow us so that we can contact you directly),” Google says.

“Explorers will each need to pre-order a Glass Explorer Edition for $1500 plus tax and attend a special pick-up experience, in person, in New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles.”

(By the way, Triangle reader, if you apply and are chosen to be an Explorer, email The Skinny  - rsmith@wral.com. We’ll want to talk with you about the experience.)