Prince Charles tries out Google Glass as he visits Canada's 'innovation alley'
comments
Google Glass has been given the Royal seal of approval after the Prince of Wales tried Google's controversial eyewear on his tour of Canada.
Charles was visiting an area known as Innovation Alley on Adelaide Street, where a number of local startups have their offices.
He donned a pair of the smart specs to try out an app designed to help workmen keep up with the jobs they have to do.
Scroll down for video
The Prince of Wales tries on Google Glass during a tour of Innovation Alley in Winnipeg Manitoba, on the fourth and last day of his trip to Canada
Charles tried out the energy sector app VisualSpection, where he was shown a preview by founder David Enns.
The Google Glasses app is designed to improve the productivity and accuracy of utility workers inspecting and reporting problems in the field.
Prince Charles is believed to be the first Royal to try the specs, which coast $1500.
The Prince of Wales also spoke with representatives from AssentWorks and Ramp Up Manitoba, who are driving efforts forward to expand their digital reach by innovating new technologies.
The visit was also meant to highlight the non-profit workshop dedicated to providing hands-on access to fabrication and prototyping equipment to young entrepreneurs, inventors, artists and innovators.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are on a four day visit to Canada
The Prince was able to try out the energy sector app VisualSpection
The Royal trial comes days after Google put its controversial eyewear back on sale to the US public.
The firm is offering the 'explorer edition', the $1500 test version of the eyewear, for general sale after an initial 24 hour sale sold out.
It is believed the firm wants to increase the number of people people using the hardware - and potentially clear its inventory for the 'real' consumer version.
The firm has also offered the Glass hardware for sale and golf shows, and is believed to be mulling offering it in retail stores, with trials already having taken place.
Next generation: Google Glass has revealed the new look of its high-tech device
HOW TO BUY GLASS
Buyers can visit http://ift.tt/1hDJ5yF to buy Glass.
'Any adult in the US can become an Explorer by visiting our site and purchasing Glass for $1500 + tax – and it now comes with your favorite shade or frame, thanks to feedback from our current Explorers.
Source: Google
Today, it reappeared online for sale to anyone if what is described as an 'open beta'.
'Whoops. So... we'd planned to post this next week, but it looks like the cat's out of the bag now,' Google said when its previous plans were leaked..
'Over the past several months, we've been trying out different ways to expand the Explorer program.
'Our Explorers are moms, bakers, surgeons, rockers, and each new Explorer has brought a new perspective that is making Glass better.
'But every day we get requests from those of you who haven't found a way into the program yet, and we want your feedback too.
'So in typical Explorer Program fashion, we're trying something new. '
'The number of spots available is limited, so mark your calendar if you want to get in,' the firm said.
Google will also include a free sunglass shade or one of its newly-introduced prescription glasses frames along with any purchase.
Those who currently own the device paid $1,500 to be part of the development process, exchanging ideas on improvements to the design and function in return for the coveted device.
With the release of the second-generation, those already enrolled in the Google Explorer program were able to 'invite' three of their friends to the scheme.
Reaction to the new design was mixed, with some critics saying changes to the device looked bulky.
Google has come under fire for the unfashionable look of Glass, although has developed its own frames for the system which allow prescription lenses, and partnered with Ray-Ban to develop fashionable frames.
The secret document obtained by The Verge that reveals the plan
Stylish: The frames will be available in a range of colors and will work with prescription glasses
However, the updates were welcomed by those who have a first-generation device, with comments on its Google + page commenting that the changes would improve user experience.
One owner, Dawn Martin, commented: 'My glass has been useless for phone calls and nav because I can't hear it well enough ... yay for updates/upgrades!'
Improved: The slightly bulkier design comes with a detachable ear piece to improve commands
Put the internet to work for you.
0 comments:
Post a Comment