Augmented Reality Glasses

Extracted 04MAR2012 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17618495

Google has revealed details of its research into augmented reality glasses. The images show a minimalist design with a microphone and partly-transparent video screen that places information over the view from the users' right eye. The product's developers said they wanted feedback on the idea. They did not give any indication about when the device might go on sale or what it would cost...

The video suggests icons offering 14 different services will be offered to the user when the glasses are first put on, including information about the weather, their location and diary appointments. It appears that several of these services are either triggered by an action taken by the user or the situation they are in...

"The monetisation opportunities would be enormous - but there are still big issues involved with shrinking the technology and making the computer that receives and processes the data truly portable."

Google may have competition if it works out how to shrink the electronics involved. In 2008, Apple patented a laser-based "head mounted display system" that it suggested could stream video from its iPod among other features.

More recently, Patent Bolt revealed that Sony and Microsoft have patented ideas to create miniture displays to go over users' eyes. They were described as being suitable for "gaming and beyond".