Google I/O is coming in June. This is the company’s big, annual developer event, where new developer products and APIs are often revealed, and Google gets to work directly with developers to help foster creativity on its platforms. It sounds like a perfect place to get developers working on awesome uses for Google glasses doesn’t it?
A report from Nathan Eddy at eWeek suggests that Google’s Project Glass glasses, unveiled last week, could just make an appearance at the event. The report is based on a research note from Global Equity Research, which Eddy reports is based on the viewpoint of Android developers. According to Eddy, the note says:
“This year, Google will have a new focus area ‘wearable devices,’ based on Android OS. Developers think Google extended this year’s Google I/O event from two days to three days, probably to accommodate this new focus area. Google will very likely open up Google AR [augmented reality] platform to the developers, so that the developers can write applications to Google Glasses, the wearable AR glasses.”
Seth Weintraub wrote on 9to5Google last week, “I am told Google has a relatively small run already available internally. I asked directly if I would be able to get a set at Google I/O, but my source said that a decision was yet-to-be made. There are over 10,000 attendees at Google I/O, so that would be a significant undertaking.”
They don’t have to be handing them out for Google to demo the glasses, or at least turn developers loose on an API. Even if there is simply an increased focus on augmented reality, it could lay some framework for glasses app potential down the line.
There are already tons of augmented reality apps for Android. Here are some examples:
We’re going to have to leave the possibility of Google glasses appearing at Google I/O in the rumor department, but it will definitely be on everybody’s minds as the event draws near. Based on the reported words of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, it sounds like the glasses won’t be ready for the public for a while, but developers could certainly help with that.
There should be no shortage of developers in attendance. Tickets sold out within 20 minutes of going on sale.
In a fascinating video from one of the Project Glass engineers, the technology’s application to contact lenses was discussed, as were the different types of apps which could be created, including: gaming, virtual reality, augmented reality, interfacing with mobile, super vision, night vision, etc.
What are some apps you’d like to see built for the Google glasses?