Kopin Pupil hands-on: Glass tech without geek looks

Kopin has revealed its latest wearable system, Pupil, a combination of a micro-display and voice control noise-cancellation system the company hopes will eventually be used in head-worn tech like Google's Glass. A reference design intending to show how wearable computing could be integrated into a design that's more palatable to the consumer market, Pupil isn't intended for the market in its current form, but is instead intended to showcase the fruits of Kopin's new partnership with Olympus in display technology. We caught up with Kopin to find out more.

Kopin is no stranger to wearable computing, and while the company may not have the brand recognition that, say, Google does, it's arguably been doing more in the background. We first tried out the company's Golden-i reference design back in 2010, seeing it launch later as Motorola Solutions' HC-1 targeting the enterprise.
Golden-i is big, and hardly discrete; as Kopin points out, enterprise buyers tend to be less concerned with aesthetics than their consumer counterparts. What Kopin aims to do with its Pupil reference design is show how tiny displays can fit into a more fashion-friendly pair of glasses, something that won't get you suspicious looks when you're waiting for a bus.

Star of the show is the micro-display, a tiny projection system that runs across the top of the right lens and manifests as a small screen just above your line of sight. It runs at 428 x 240, and unlike Google's Glass screen isn't transparent as it's built into the top section of the frame.

The glasses are a self-contained input/output system, rather than just a display, and the second part of Kopin's showcase is the microphones and speakers. There are two of each - the speakers sitting just above the ear on each side, the microphones spaced across the right arm - and the company has developed noise-cancellation systems that allow the voice-controlled UI to be navigated solely by voice, even when there's loud background noise.

Kopin is insistent that the current Pupil units are all just prototypes, and in fact they're all 3D printed at this stage; however, the only thing really missing that you might expect from a market-ready wearable is a camera. Whether that gets included eventually or not will be up to whichever hardware partner decides to license the Pupil technology.

In use, it's fairly similar in many respects to Glass. Kopin's UI is minimal, as befits a glanceable screen, with a few voice command options on the display at any one time. The multi-page menus automatically scroll from side to side, showing the full range of choices; you select by speaking to the headset, since there are no physical controls beyond the power switch.

That works, for the most part, though manufacturers will have to decide whether speech is sufficient to deal with more complex use paradigms and increasingly complex apps. There's still a smartphone in the equation, too, with the reference designs paired up to a nearby Android handset for data connectivity and doing the heavy-duty data processing with a companion app; again, what radios the consumer glasses have will depend on the ambitions of the companies making them, not Kopin.

Right now, Kopin CEO Dr John C.C. Fan tells us, the prototype runs for a couple of hours on a charge. That, given the company expects uses to snack on information rather than run the display permanently powered-on, might be enough for a casual day of use; at the moment, the left arm contains the battery while the right holds the computing.



Unfortunately, Kopin wouldn't be drawn on exactly which partners might be sniffing around the Pupil technology, nor how long it might take to actually reach the market. There are certainly plenty of possibilities: Olympus itself has its own wearable division, and we spotted SoftBank, Verizon, Fujitsu, Broadcom, and more at Kopin's launch event. Not to say any will actually pick up the Pupil display, but it's certainly a sign that wearables are of significant interest in the tech market, not to mention as a part of the growing Internet of Things story.

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Google Glass prescription frames official in four styles

Google has revealed its prescription frames for Google Glass, the much-anticipated accessory which will make the wearable computer more user-friendly to those who already wear glasses. Dubbed the Titanium Collection and offered in four styles - Thin, Classic, Bold, and Split - all are made from lightweight titanium, like the original Glass band, and will be supplied with non-prescription lenses suited for those who don't need their vision corrected, but can be optionally fitted out to suit a prescription.

The four options - all internally designed by Google's Glass team - fit broadly into the basic style categories. Curve has a more oversized look, with thick, round lenses, while Thin has thinner frames and rectangular lenses. Bold is a thicker version, also with rectangular lenses, and then Split is thin on top and rimless on the bottom.


Unfortunately, just as we suspected, the frames aren't designed to be truly modular: you can't snap on and off the Glass assembly, to suit times when you might not want - or be allowed - to wear a computer on your face. Instead, the single screw on the inside of the Glass band is removed and the hardware then screwed onto the prescription frames instead.

It looks to be a relatively straightforward process, but it does mean that if you need glasses to actually correct your vision then you're either going to have to carry a spare pair or get used to wearing Glass all the time.

Google has partnered with VSP (Vision Service Plan) to get ECPs (Eye Care Professionals) in the US up to speed on the lens and fitting requirements of the new Titanium Collection frames. There'll be a list of those trained up, and - as long as the Glass Explorer has a prescription issued within the past year - they'll be able to go straight to an ECP and have the optics prepared and installed.

Exactly how many ECPs have been trained so far is something Google isn't saying, but there are apparently already people in New York, San Francisco, and LA - coincidentally all places with Glass Basecamp centers - ready to go.

Google also has two new sunglasses styles, Classic and Edge, to go along with the rimless sunglasses snap-in accessory that comes with the wearable as standard. They also twist-clip into place, rather than requiring Glass be screwed in. They'll both be offered at $150 each.

The new Titanium Collection frames will go on sale from Tuesday, January 28th, priced at $225 apiece. That obviously doesn't include Glass itself or prescription lenses, though Google says that those with VSP vision insurance should find their policy will cover or part-cover having those fitted.

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Google Glass Explorer developing apps for firefighters

Google Glass Explorers come in all varieties and Glassware of many sorts is in development, all of it aiming to augment our existence in a new and functional way. One of the more altruistic developments-in-progress are the apps being created by developer and firefighter Patrick Jackson, who sees a future in the technology for his fellow firefighters.

The specifics of Jackson's projects weren't detailed, though in the video there are various examples of how Glass can be used by Explorers. The idea is that firefighters could wear Google's wearable when on the job and have the ability to pull up needed information hands-free, giving them the opportunity to focus on the task of hand while getting the details needed at the same time.


One example is the ability to pull up instant extraction schematics for the needed vehicle when responding to an auto accident scheme. This builds upon the idea set forth by Mercedes-Benz early last year, when the auto maker started including QR code stickers for first responders. The idea behind that was the ability to use mobile technology to scan and instantly retrieve the details needed to free trapped drivers. A comparable app for Glass would build upon this, eliminating the need to pull out a smartphone or tablet -- instead, one could speak the make and model as a command, or perhaps scan an included QR code with Glass's camera if available.

Said Jackson on Google+: "When I got Google Glass I had no idea that this would happen! Very cool experience with Google and they capture what I am doing and plan to do with Glass for firefighters. Thanks to all those who supported my indiegogo campaign to make this possible and to my wife for being the best wife ever and supporting me!"






SOURCE: Google+

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Google Glass prescription frames revealed by Rochester Optical

The first prescription lens option for Google Glass has been revealed, with Rochester Optical sneaking in ahead of Google's own official frames with a custom carrier that can be slotted into the Android wearable. The system, which consists of a set of frames - Rochester Optical calls it the Glass Prescription Lens Carrier (GLPC) - that clip into the bridge of Glass and cost from $99 for the single-vision lenses and $129 for the GLPC itself.

That way, there's no need to unscrew the eyepiece section of Glass - as we're expecting to have to do with Google's own frames - and Rochester will offer eight different colors ranging from black and white, through to bright red, orange, cyan, royal blue, silver, and grey.

As well as the cheapest lens option, there'll also be various options and more expensive lenses to choose between, such as bi-focals and transitions. Rochester will also be offering tinted lenses for sunglasses along with scratch-resistant coatings.

In addition, Rochester will also have eight different shapes of GLPC to choose between, ranging from curved to square and several in-between. We're still not clear on what shapes Google will offer, nor how much its frames will cost.

The first GLPC orders will be taken in late January, Forbes reports, with initial deliveries expected from early February. Google has promised more on its system later in 2014.

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Google Glass prescription frame option priced up for Explorers

Prescription lenses for Google Glass will be priced from $99, one start-up has confirmed, with Rochester Optical revealing early cost details ahead of preorders opening after CES 2014 next week. The company, which confirmed its prescription option for those wanting to use Google's wearable as their regular spectacles was due "in just a few weeks" courtesy of a questionnaire last week, will offer a number of packages that clip onto Glass rather than requiring it be dismantled and attached to a new headpiece, as Google's own system looks to involve.

Instead, there will be some form of unspecified "lens carrier/frames", Rochester Optical's Tim Moore revealed on the Explorer-only Glass community Google runs. Prescription lenses will start out at $99, though rise according to more complex prescriptions, or whether the wearer wants tinted lenses, transitions, or other options.

Unlike the clear plastic "shield" that Google supplies with Glass - shown above - and which clips onto the nosepiece, it seems Rochester's solution will have at least the option of some type of framing. The company will offer a choice of "color and style" Moore said; the questionnaire last week suggested colors could not only match the shades Google offers the Explorer Edition of Glass in today, but also extend to hues like pink, purple, yellow, or custom finishes.

As for shape, the survey also gave a few hints, such as "Cat Eye" and "geek-chic" styling. Rochester hasn't said exactly how they will attach to Glass, though previous custom prescription lenses have re-used the spring-loaded clip that holds on the regular plastic shield.

Meanwhile, Google has re-confirmed in recent weeks that it itself will be offering an Rx Glass option, though its system appears to involve removing the eyepiece from the titanium headband and attaching it instead to another fixed frame. Though likely to be sturdy, the system may also leave Glass owners forced to carry two sets of spectacles with them, if they're in a place which doesn't allow the wearable computer to be used.

Rochester Optical says it will have more details following CES, with Moore committing to opening preorders "shortly after" the tech show finishes, and deliver lenses not long after that. Google, meanwhile, is expected to detail its option(s) sometime early in the new year. It recently began inviting early Glass adopters to swap their headsets for a slightly redesigned version, one of the changes of which was to accommodate prescription frames.

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Google Glass Explorer invites flowing to All Access subscribers

Google Play Music support recently arrived for Glass users, and it looks like Google is going to do what they can to ensure this setup gets a thorough testing. Google Play Music All Access subscribers appear to be getting invitations to join the Glass Explorer program. We haven’t seen any confirmation direct from Google just yet, however these invites are said to be coming by email.

According to the details being shared, the email brings talk of “VIP invitations for All Access customers to join the Glass Explorer Program.” Of course, this means those users will need to be willing and able to shell out the purchase price. Google Glass remains at $1500, plus the applicable sales tax.

But hey, on the bright side, All Access subscribers will be able to join this somewhat exclusive club. There doesn’t appear to be a set deadline on the invitation, however the linked page does make mention of this being “available for a limited time.” Those All Access subscribers looking to signup will need to be 18 or older and located in the US.

The other requirement is an easy one, you will need to either provide a US shipping address or be prepared to pick your Glass up in person. The in person pickup locations include San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. Still no word on a full public Glass rollout, but given this Explorer program expansion combined with the previous invite openings — it seems Google is inching closer to a widespread release.




VIA : Android Community

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Glass exchange initiated: return boxes sent

The newest wave of Google Glass Explorer Edition units are set to be distributed by mail, with Google sending out word that they’re fully prepared to do the switch with boxes of their own. Users that’d signed up over the last few weeks will be seeing a box sent to their residence through the mail that they’ll then use to mail their original Google Glass back to the shop. From there, Google will send a pair of the newest wave of Glass to the user so that everyone can be onboard with the most current hardware.

While it’s unclear what will happen to the original Glass units sent back to Google, we’ll have to take a wild guess and say that they’ll be sent to the spice mines of Kessel, smashed into who-knows-what. The new Google Glass units work with ever-so-slight a set of modifications to the hardware and an earbud so users will have an easier time being stealthy. Users with the old set were also given the option of changing over to a new color or sticking with the same color they had in the first place.

The change-over to a new pair of a piece of technology like this, in this sort of space, is relatively unprecedented. Google’s original “Google Glass Explorers” program in itself was a new sort of deal when it first launched well over a year ago – here the company continues to prove that this is no ordinary device or launch.

Google Glass is getting nearer and nearer final launch – they’ve gotten to the point where just about anyone can order a device, developer or not, while the first full launch is likely to hit within the year 2014. Have a peek at our Google Glass tag portal as well as a collection of recent posts below in a recent archival timeline. For those of you that plan on switching: expect the box soon.



SOURCE: Slashgear

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Google Glass vulnerable to malicious wireless networks, says Symantec

Earlier this week, an exploit surfaced by way of Lookout Mobile Security that would allow Google Glass to be controlled by a hacker using malicious QR codes. This was quickly – and quietly – patched, but another threat remains, one that extends beyond Glass and could facilitate data theft: a WiFi-based vulnerability that utilizes a man-in-the-middle attack to get the device to connect to a malicious wireless network.

This information comes from Symantec, who refers to a device called a Wi-Fi Pineapple, which functions by impersonating a wireless network that a device – such as Glass – has already connected to in the past. It does this by using the network’s SSID. So, for example, if Glass had previously connected to a network called My Awesome WiFI, the device could impersonate that SSID while instead broadcasting a malicious network.

This takes advantage of a feature that most devices have, whereby they remember a network they have previously connected to and stay on the outlook for it. The result of this is convenient – the device will automatically connect to a recognized network, removing the hassle. It is also where the vulnerability lies, and users should be aware of it, says Symantec.

Of course, this problem could affect any device that does this, but Glass is said to make avoiding this problem more difficult due to the way its interface works, sans any input devices like a keyboard. Glass will find a network it recognizes and connect to it, and the user may never notice anything off about it.

Although the problem is known, figuring out a solution that works to avoid this kind of potential attack is more complicated, with Symantec saying that things like utilizing MAC addresses are still vulnerable. For now, users are advised that the “practicable solution” is to act like any network can be malicious, and to either utilize encryption or a VPN.

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