red google glass hmd

TIME Magazine has named Google Glass as one of the ‘Best Inventions of 2012’ which is interesting because they also mention that the product isn’t expected on the market until 2014….

Google Glass found itself among 26 other inventions on TIME’s list. It’s hard to tell what the entries were based on given that very little information has been made public regarding Google Glass. From TIME:

Glass is, simply put, a computer built into the frame of a pair of glasses, and it’s the device that will make augmented reality part of our daily lives. With the half-inch (1.3 cm) display, which comes into focus when you look up and to the right, users will be able to take and share photos, video-chat, check appointments and access maps and the Web. Consumers should be able to buy Google Glass by 2014.

It seems like TIME based their decision on the Google Glass concept video. Google’s vision definitely isn’t the first time anyone has considered a wearable computer/display. There are prototypes aplenty through the years. It would seem that, like a middle-school student government election, TIME’s Best Inventions list is little more than a popularity contest. But hey, this is the first time we’ve heard anyone talk about a Google Glass release date.

 

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Ben is the world's most senior professional analyst solely dedicated to the XR industry, having founded Road to VR in 2011—a year before the Oculus Kickstarter sparked a resurgence that led to the modern XR landscape. He has authored more than 3,000 articles chronicling the evolution of the XR industry over more than a decade. With that unique perspective, Ben has been consistently recognized as one of the most influential voices in XR, giving keynotes and joining panel and podcast discussions at key industry events. He is a self-described "journalist and analyst, not evangelist."
  • Yossi Preminger

    When considered next to the fish farm and the very worthy civilization kit, choosing google glass seems a bit like pandering to the crowd in trying to pick something cool to put on the cover.

  • ThePhi

    As you noticed, the best invention of 2012 for something which will maybe never reach the market…
    As for me, I have never been convinced by the google glasses. When Google speaks about ‘augmented reality’ , I see only a little screen, who makes you a bit idiot (like people wearing their bluetooth on their ears in public) and absolutely not immersive (The video promoting this are very misleading since you’ve got the impression that all your field (your ‘reality’ ) is covered by the glasses.
    It’s more “the Google Monocle” than Google glasses :) (and even less than that. If ever Time had known about Oculus glasses….

  • Jesse

    although i think the google glass is cool( and hope it can read power levels) i agree that this list seems abit like they just went for the highest bidder . for example they also put a glorified smoke machine that looks a tiny bit like a cloud for a second and a drone…for killing. i dont think Tony Stark would appreciate this list lol!!