Sony Shows Off Its SmartEyeglass Attach!

"Sony continues to seed interest in its smart eyewear concept. Sony recently released a video showing the SmartEyeglass Attach! in action, sent to YouTube via the Sony's Xperia Development team," reports Phys.org. "The video is a follow-up to Sony's introduction at CES 2015 of its single-lens display module with OLED tech. The concept focuses on being able to turn existing eyeglasses or sunglasses into smart devices." Read more.

The video above is not the one that Phys.org referred to. To see that video, click here.

Sony Introduces Clip-On Augmented Reality

“Sony has just announced a new attachable display module that can turn a "pair of fashionable glasses, goggles, sunglasses, or other type of eyewear" into smartglasses,” reports Endgadget. “And, yes, it's completely detachable so you can remove it whenever you want to. This module is comprised of a control board where the Bluetooth and WiFi sensors, processor and other components live, along with a 640x400 OLED microdisplay that serves as your screen. The company sees a long list of potential applications for sports, work and entertainment, so it plans to provide "partner organizations" with an SDK.” Read more.

Heads-Up Display on Contacts. Sooner than You Think

“Here's a hypothetical question: would you rather have a HUD [heads-up display] on glasses or a contact lens? If you answered ‘contact lens,’ the bad news is that you may be waiting some time... but the good news is that it just got a little more feasible, with the invention of the world's first 3D printer that can print LEDs,” posits CNET. “The team, led by Michael McAlpine at Princeton University's McAlpine Research Group, has successfully used its printer to 3D-print quantum dot LEDs -- LEDs that are considered the next step up from OLED. QLEDs shine brighter and with purer colour, at a lower power consumption rate, using cadmium selenide nanocrystals. They're also ultrathin, flexible and transparent -- like, for instance, contact lenses.” Read more.

Google Glass on the Ropes?

“After two years of popping up at high-profile events sporting Google Glass, the gadget that transforms eyeglasses into spy-movie worthy technology, Google co-founder Sergey Brin sauntered bare-faced into a Silicon Valley red-carpet event on Sunday,” according to a Reuters post. “He'd left his pair in the car, Brin told a reporter. The Googler, who heads up the top-secret lab which developed Glass, has hardly given up on the product -- he recently wore his pair to the beach. But Brin's timing is not propitious, coming as many developers and early Glass users are losing interest in the much-hyped, $1,500 test version of the product: a camera, processor and stamp-sized computer screen mounted to the edge of eyeglass frames. Google Inc itself has pushed back the Glass roll out to the mass market.” Read more.

Sony Proposes Its Smart Eyeglasses

"Almost everybody who’s capable of producing tech eyewear is coming after Google Glass in a big way, and Japanese consumer electronics outfit Sony isn’t one to get left behind," according to Android Community. "It’s releasing the Sony SmartEyeglass (we guess people are running out of novel names for tech eyewear) to compete in this segment, although it doesn’t have software of its own as of now and is relying on third party developers to work with their SDK." Read more.

New Development in Augmented Reality Contact Lenses

"Imagine having an ultra high-resolution display built directly into a pair of contact lenses," reports ABC Science. "This could be the future of digital displays thanks to scientists at Oxford University, who have adapted a material currently used to store data on DVDs and transformed it into a radical new display technology. Writing in Nature today, they say the material could usher in a new generation of displays that are thinner, lighter, with higher resolution and lower power consumption than any existing technology. They could even be mounted on flexible or transparent surfaces, raising the possibility of applications beyond just e-readers and smartphones to things such as car windshields and contact lenses." Read more.

Google Adds Gig to Glass

"Google Glass users can now record extra video footage thanks to the tech giant's extra gigabyte of memory on the former 1GB capacity connected eyewear," claims HNGN. "The company's change has annoyed existing Glass Explorers, however, who currently have the device's older model, and claim it's not as fast as the new 2GB upgrade, per info from a Glass product manager. 'Allow for more Glassware [apps] to run parallel and for each Glassware to start more quickly,' said Steve Lee. 'You'll notice the device generally feels a bit faster and more reliable.'" Read more.

More Gossip about Microsoft's AR Eyewear

"Rumors have been afloat about Microsoft working on a device similar to Google Glass. We've yet to see or hear anything new on the matter but we did stumble upon this interesting patent filing from the company. Microsoft filed this patent back in 2012 and it was just now published, showcasing the company's attempt at integrating multi-touch interactions on eyeware." That's the word from Win Beta. "In the patent application publication, Microsoft introduces us to the dilemma with head-worn augmented reality glasses. Interactivity with these glasses are constrained by the inability to have an input device continuously available in the user's hand. In other words, you need cameras or microphones to operate - which can be a problem when in a library or a movie theater. It may be distracting and it may be inappropriate for the setting." Read more.

Tape Holds Together Google Glass Knock-Off

"It's not exactly a good sign when your product's being held together with Scotch Tape," starts an Engadget post about augmented reality eyewear. "But that's actually one of the main points of distinction between the SiME Smart Glass and Google's version of the wearable -- that and a much lower price point, of course. Taiwanese company ChipSip hopes to sell its Google Glass knock-off for $500, and though that seems palatable compared to $1,500, it's still not cheap. That price is even harder to swallow when you see just how complicated it is to use, as we discovered on the Computex show floor." Read more.

Von Furstenberg and Others Team Up with Google Glass

"There's only so much Google can do to dress up (or hide) the chunky metal object protruding off of a Glass wearer's face," writes the website Fast Company. "Certainly more frame options in different shapes, sizes, and colors will appeal to a broader set of people. But will this partnership help Glass overcome its cyborg reputation, when not much else has worked? The initial frames, which came out in January, were a huge step up from naked-Glass. This doesn't push the needle too much further. Nor does the mere attachment to DVF's brand guarantee success. Since its inception, Glass has made alliances with the fashion world. Diane Von Furstenberg has already collaborated with Glass, having her models walk the runway with the face accessory. That, plus a spread in Vogue, plus a push at fashion week, haven't diminished the curse of the Glasshole. What makes this DVF partnership any different than those efforts? Google, to its credit, has not given up on the fashion angle. Earlier this month, the company hired marketing fashion guru Ivy Ross to improve Glass's mass perception. Ross has worked with Calvin Klein, Swatch, Gap, Coach, and others. This DVF collaboration will likely be the first of many brand partnerships. Google's deal with eyewear giant Luxottica suggests Glass frames will eventually be available in many varieties at a mall near you." Read more.


This came in later from VSP Global: Today, Diane von Furstenberg and Google join forces to launch the DVF | Made for Glass collection, a collaboration that melds the boldness and creativity of Glass Explorers with the confidence and independence of the DVF Woman. The brands first collaborated on a short film “DVF Through Glass” which provided an insider’s view of Diane von Furstenberg’s Spring 2013 runway show. The limited edition collection of frames and shades is a watershed moment between technology and fashion. Read more.

A few days later, Marchon received this coverage from Newsday: "The DVF | Made for Glass collection, the first line of designer frames for Glass, is the product of a partnership between Google Inc. and fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, who has had a licensing agreement with Marchon since 2009 to manufacture her eyeglass designs. Marchon, which was acquired by California vision care company VSP Global in 2008, is the third largest manufacturer and distributor of eyewear in the world, with combined net sales of about $1 billion a year." Read more.

Google Challenges Nonprofits about Google Glass

Yesterday Google challenged nonprofits to come up with ways of using its augment reality eyewear. Here’s what Google put on its special website for the challenge: “How would you use Glass to amplify your impact? Individuals who work at US-based nonprofits are eligible to receive a pair of Glass, a trip to a Google office for training, a $25,000 nonprofit grant, and access to developers to make your Glass project a reality. A team of Googlers, along with the Giving through Glass Explorers - World Wildlife Fund, Samasource, and DoSomething.org - will select the five awardees. Read our FAQ and Rules, watch how World Wildlife Fund is exploring how Glass can help protect rhinos, and apply online by 11:59pm PST on May 20.” Read more.

Google Patents CLs with Microcameras

"Add this one to the list of unbelievably cool things Google has in the works: It has patented a contact lens system that would include built-in cameras," notes Yahoo! Tech. "The technology could potentially allow Google to shrink its wearable face computer — known as Google Glass — into the size of a single contact lens. Rather than be controlled by voice, those wearing the contacts would command their device through, as Patent Bolt analyzes it, “a sophisticated system” of “unique blinking patterns.” In other words, people wearing these contacts may look even weirder than people in Google Glass." Read more.

Patent Bolt reports that "One of Google many patent applications regarding future smart contact lenses generally relates to systems and/or methods for capturing image data representing a scene in a gaze of a viewer via a thin image capture component integrated on or within a contact lens, processing the image data, and employing the processed image data to perform functions locally on the contact lens or remotely on one or more remote devices. The term "images capture component" simple means a camera. For example, a thin (image capture) camera component can be embedded on or within a contact lens such that it does not substantially affect thickness of a conventional contact lens. Furthermore, the camera component can be aligned such that it tracks and generates image data of an image of a scene corresponding to the gaze of the wearer, without obstructing the wearer's view." Read more.

New AR Contact Lenses from Google Go to Patent Office

“Yesterday, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Google that reveals a new multi-sensor contact lens computer system that may work with many future devices including Google Glass and/or other future wearable devices, an Android smartphone, a television, a gaming system, navigation and/or car stereo and beyond. If you're a die-hard Google fan, then this is a must read; because if you blink, you just might miss something great,” according to Patent Bolt. “According to a study that was published in February, 90% of vehicles by 2019 will Interface with wearable computers in one way or another. Beyond Google Glass, Google is working on an in-air gesturing system for vehicles and Google's latest invention will be able to work within such a system in connection with Glass.  Google is also working on their personal assistant Google-Now to work with Google TV. Integrating a blink-command system, as described in their latest patent about specialized contact lenses, would be able to issue commands such as change the channel or raise the audio for instance.” Read more.

Observer Captures Ukraine Events with AR Eyewear from Epiphany

“Events in Ukraine have captivated the world recently. In the wake of unrest, a stroll through Kiev's Independence Square with a camera would draw attention. Aleksey Bondarenko was able to capture amazing high definition video without being noticed,” reports USAToday. “’The guard over there won't let me in because I'm a youth, so I can't get up close and personal to the police. I don't know if you can see them over there in the distance,’ said Bondarenko on a video he recently posted online. He narrated his walk through Kiev wearing a pair of Epiphany Eyewear.” See video and read more.

AR Eyewear--Wave of the Present or of the Future?

"But even though more companies are offering wearable devices, it is far from certain that people will buy and wear the products in great numbers anytime soon. Both smartwatches and connected glasses must overcome several hurdles, analysts say, before mainstream consumers welcome them into their everyday lives."That's a portion of a New York Times post about the future of such items as augmented reality eyewear. Read more.

Innovega Closer to Offering AR CLs/Eyewear

“Google's Glass wearable has yet to exit its beta ‘Explorer Program’ -- though prescription lenses appear to be on the way -- and still tends to freak people out and keep the critics testing it in the wild apprehensive of wearing it in public settings,” according to CNET. “Innovega, which showcased its unique iOptik augmented reality (AR) device on the head of a mannequin at last year's CES, is confident that it's getting closer to [augmented reality contact lenses that]…we'll actually want to wear, but with the unconventional caveat of contact lenses, an untested stipulation at the moment. The company, headed up by CEO Stephen Willey, will be back at CES 2014 next week, but this time with a fully functioning prototype. The device, a pair of sleek eyeglasses capable of overlaying digital media and transparent AR data onto the accompanying lenses, will be worn by Innovega staff on the floors of CES. But why does one need to slip something over our eyeballs to use the iOptik system?” Read more.

Real World Apps for Google Glass

“You might think of Google Glass as one of those tech creations that’s more intriguing than practical. You might see computerized eyewear as a Silicon Valley nerd fantasy that’s unlikely to change the way the rest of the world works. You would not be alone,” starts the Wired post. “But that’s not how Michael Chagala sees it. Chagala is the director of IT at Sullivan Solar Power, which is slipping Google Glass onto the heads of the field technicians who install its solar panels atop homes and businesses across Southern California. Because every building is unique, these field techs need ready access to all sorts of specs and plans describing the job at hand. In the past, they’ve carried three-ring binders onto the roof, but those are so hard to handle — particularly when the wind is blowing pages. They’ve lugged laptops up there too, but that comes with its own problems, including, well, the sun. So Chagala and company are switching to Glass, allowing their techs to browse documents simply by looking through the eyewear. For the most part, they can do this without using their hands — though you do have to tap the side of the glasses to move from doc to doc.” Read more.

Sneak Peak at Google Glass's Prescription Version

“Wearers of traditional eyeglasses got an early holiday treat this week when a Google employee leaked photos of what appear to be the prescription version of Google Glass,” reports Mashable. “Reportedly posted on the Google+ page of Brian Matiash, community manager for Google+ Photos, on Thursday, the images showing the modified version of Glass were quickly removed without explanation. Phandroid managed to capture the photos before they were taken down. The new version of the wearable computing device (not pictured above) looks a lot like the current version, except it does away with the steel band completely, allowing the wearer to place their traditional eyeglasses in what appears to be a cradle within the body of Google Glass. It's unclear whether or not the cradle shown in the photos could house any pair of traditional eyeglasses; however, such a design seems unlikely given that eyeglass arms vary in width, and may not fit into the cradle.” Read more.

Google Expanding Use of Its Eyewear

“In the latest move to expand use of its Glass eyewear, Google has reportedly begun inviting developers to purchase the device,” goes the Los Angeles Times post. “The developer invitations to purchase the $1,500 devices came shortly after Google made it  possible for all developers to create Glass apps -- known as Glassware. Google is trying to get more apps developed for the eyewear. Late last month, the company told existing users they could each invite three people to purchase Glass. That was followed by Google posting an online form so that any consumer could apply to receive an invitation. The company also said it will no longer disable the device if users try to sell them. That has spurred some users to try to sell their gadgets at steep prices on EBay and Craigslist.” Read more.

In related news, Linda Conlin's presentation about AR contact lenses at OpticalCEUs Fall 2013 Conference received rave reviews. Read more.

Motorist Gets Ticket for Wearing Google Glasses

Recently "a San Diego cop pulled over a female motorist for speeding, and gave her a traffic ticket for speeding as well as for wearing Google's innovative Glass eyewear while driving," says TopNews.Us. "The woman ticketed for wearing Glass was Cecilia Abadie, who is a member of the Google Glass Explorer program. While handing Abadie the ticket for wearing the Glass device, the cop issued a citation due to 'driving with a monitor visible to the driver.' After receiving the ticket for wearing Glass eyewear while driving, Abadie triggered a debate of sorts about the legality of the use of the device. She said in post on her Google+ account: 'Is #GoogleGlass [illegal] while driving or is this cop wrong?'" Read more.