With the recent Google Glass one-day sales event now just a memory, looking at the future of Google Glass takes on a whole new importance. There are more Google Glass units out in the world than there were previously, and recently, a new software update gave the controversial head-mounted displays a whole new life, starting with a whole new battery life.
The new software updated was set to provide not only access to the new Android 4.4—KitKat for those who prefer the sugary treat name—but along with that a wide slate of improvements in general to the device. One of the biggest such improvements was enhanced battery life, which is a major bonus to most any portable device, as well to most any portable device user. But beyond that, there are also reports that Google Glass systems will be more reliable overall as a result of the change, and updating the device in the future will also go more smoothly.
With KitKat now in play, there's also a new ability for developers, which has a way of trickling down to the regular user. Developers can turn to the new Android software development kit (SDK) for putting together Glassware applications, and new features from the Glass development kit (GDK) to further modify applications. Improvements in handling photos, using Google Hangout messages, and several others also came into play.
However, one feature that actually got pulled from Glass as a result of the update—an unusual move to say the least—was the video calling system. Reportedly, the video call capabilities got pulled when the system failed to live up to Google's expectations, but the feature will be back when “...the experience is better.” No one knows when exactly that will be, but with Glassware already in development, it may be on tap in comparatively rapid fashion.
The previous Glass update back in November 2013 also delivered a lot of new features when it arrived, starting with easier setup systems and improved access to Google Calendar. It seems Googles plans are to deliver larger updates sporadically.
But regardless of the possible update schedule, there's one key point that's worth noting here. This new update lends a lot of extra capability to Google Glass. Enhanced battery life is extremely important for a portable, wearable technology, so seeing that come around will undoubtedly prove welcome. With Google Glass rapidly making a greater presence in work environments, the ability to go longer without recharging is one that will likely be especially prized. With more Glassware able to be developed as well, that will make the devices more versatile, and better able to offer the kind of value necessary to make it worth spending $1,500 per unit. However, by the time Google Glass goes into wide release, that price may well drop, making it a better value and more readily justifiable at the consumer level.
The new update should bring in plenty of features that catch interest, and as the price starts to decline, there will likely be still more value in picking one up. Only time will tell if Google Glass can prove a good enough value to make it worth the buy, but at the rate it's going, it's not a bad bet.
Edited by
Maurice Nagle