As reported on TechCrunch.
by FREDERIC LARDINOIS
The news about Google Glass just keeps coming today. After announcing that Glass isabout to ship and releasing the Glass Mirror API documentation, Google has now also posted the full spec sheet for the Glass hardware. There are no major surprises here, but it’s nice to finally get to see what those users who will be able to buy the Explorer editions will get for their $1,500.
Glass will work with any Bluetooth-capable phone, but it looks like the only way to use GPS and SMS through Glass at this point is through the MyGlass companion app, which requires Android 4.0.3+. It’s not clear if or when Google plans to ship a companion app for other platforms.
The display, which is obviously the highlight of the devices, will have a resolution that “is the equivalent of a 25 inch high-definition screen from eight feet away.” In its developer guides, Google says photos should have a 640x360px resolution, so that’s probably also the resolution of the Glass display, though Google interestingly doesn’t note this in the specs.
The first version of Glass will also feature a 5 megapixel camera that can also do 720p video. Glass will come with 16GB of Flash storage of which 12GB will be usable (and synced with Google’s cloud storage service). The company says the device should have enough battery power to last a full day “of typical use,” but it also warns that features like Hangouts and video recordings are more battery intensive.
The coolest feature, however, is probably the bone conduction transducer, which will transmit sound from Glass to the inner ear through the bones of the wearer’s skull. Thanks to this, users won’t have to use a regular headphone to use Glass.
Here are the full specs:
FIT
- Adjustable nosepads and durable frame fits any face.
- Extra nosepads in two sizes.
DISPLAY
High resolution display is the equivalent of a 25 inch high definition screen from eight feet away.
CAMERA
- Photos – 5 MP
- Videos – 720p
AUDIO
- Bone Conduction Transducer
CONNECTIVITY
- Wifi – 802.11b/g
- Bluetooth
STORAGE
- 12 GB of usable memory, synced with Google cloud storage. 16 GB Flash total.
BATTERY
One full day of typical use. Some features, like Hangouts and video recording, are more battery intensive.
CHARGER
- Included Micro USB cable and charger.
While there are thousands of Micro USB chargers out there, Glass is designed and tested with the included charger in mind. Use it and preserve long and prosperous Glass use.
COMPATIBILITY
- Any Bluetooth-capable phone.
- The MyGlass companion app requires Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher. MyGlass enables GPS and SMS messaging.