#10 Hands-free, first-person photos and videos
One of the first confirmed features of Google Glass is the ability to capture photo and video. Simply say, Ok Glass, record a video, and the headset will automatically begin capturing footage. Google Glass-wearers will also be able to share exactly what they're looking at via Google Hangouts. The idea is that you'll never miss a moment, and you'll be able to shoot hands-free.
#9 Google Search results right in your eye
Naturally, Google Glass will provide search engine results via Wi-Fi or via your smartphone's data connection. Using voice dictation, users can ask Google Glass to identify an object, pull up information or answer a question almost instantly. Jet Blue recently released a video showcasing how Google Glass could revolutionize the travel experience -- information such as flight status and directions to baggage claim would be automatically displayed before your eyes.
#8 Turn-by-turn directions
More than a year after its debut, Google Glass is still generating excitement. Finally Google Glass shows off one of the most powerful features of Glass: turn-by-turn directions. Navigation apps have made it easy to find your way from point A to point B, but Google Glass will display directions right in front of your face. The headset will be able to tell you exactly what street to turn on, in addition to displaying a map of your surroundings via Google Maps. West Virginia has already proposed a bill that would ban wearing Google Glass while driving, but those turn-by-turn directions could be pretty useful while walking.
#7 Voice translations
Previously the pipe dream of optimistic futurists, real-time language translation is a reality today. Using technology Google already owns(OCR and Google Translate), Glass could translate foreign signs and menus. Translation is yet another feature Google promises to offer with Glass. For example, users could ask Glass how to say 'delicious' in Brazilian, as the company demonstrated in its latest trailer for Glass called 'How It Feels.' Pretty powerful stuff.
#6 Virtual reminders
The new features baked into the software update include reminders for dinner reservations, hotel bookings and concerts. If one of these businesses sends the Glass user an email confirmation, he or she will automatically get a reminder. For example, users can look at an object and say 'Remind me to...' and the headset will associate a photo with the assigned task. Additionally, Google Glass can sync with your calendar to show you when your next meeting is.
#5 Google Now support
Google Now provides you with the right information at the right time, based on where you are and what time it is. With Glass, you can get relevant Google Now information on-the-go and in the moment, without needing to pull out your phone. Google's high-tech spectacles will integrate deeply with Google Now, which means you'll be able to get real-time updates based on your location. For example, if you're approaching a subway station Google Glass can pull up a train schedule. If service is suspended, you can ask Glass for an alternate route to reach your destination.
#4 Voice dictation and gesture control
Google revealed about how its Glass headpiece will be controlled, and how developers might take advantage of the platform to create useful apps. In addition to voice input, you can control Glass with eye movements and subtle head gestures. As Google Glass senior developer Timothy Jordan demonstrated onstage at South by South West (SXSW), Google Glass allows you to respond to email via voice dictation and displays the message for editing before you send it.
#3 Chatting through Glass
Google Glass supports both voice-only calls and video chats in addition to being able to answer emails and text via voice dictation. Even cooler, you can show the person on the other line whatever you're looking at through the headset instead of traditional video chatting. So, for instance, if you're seeing your sister's favorite band in concert you could call her and show her the performance through Glass.
#2 They cost $1500 without accessories
The basic Google Glass model costs $1500. Of course, people who could afford that also had to be selected in a raffle to win the ability to actually buy the device. When you tack on extras, however, the price can rise to around $2000. Once Glass is ready to go out to a larger market, Google expects the price to plummet to around $199.
#1 Tiny (But Powerful) Hardware
It's amazing how the Project Glass team has managed to squeeze all of its features into a tiny 'computer' supported on a lightweight yet strong frame. Google Glass is packed with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, speakers, a camera, microphone, touchpad and possibly a gyroscope that detects head-tilts. Then there's the main piece, a tiny screen the size of your finger, that shows you all the information you need at your finger tips. You can tell by the prototype that the design and engineering team have done a great job cramping everything into the current Glass design: a wearable, non-intrusive gadget that doesn't get in the way of daily life.
