Google Glass now available to purchase in the UK

[Ric_]

I haven't closed the Play Store page yet..........

[russdev]

I have been trying ot think how can get this pass the directors at work.. Also people asking this isn't consumer device (in the short to mid term) but for things like this (guy is husband of someone I know on facebook)

 

Dr. Niamtu on CBS News Discussing Google Glass Applications in Surgery

 

Russell

[Arthur]

Good news for UK buyers. We will get the latest 2GB RAM model with a bigger battery.

 

Google refreshes Glass hardware, but current owners won't get upgraded « The Verge

 

Google's plan to sell its Glass headset in an extended public beta test was a rather unusual move. It's not often you see consumer hardware get tested in public, particularly something like Glass that has raised a number of privacy concerns since it became available. However, Google says that the benefit of its extended public test period is that it can keep improving the device based on user feedback in advance of its eventual consumer launch — as such, the company is announcing a slightly modified version of Glass, both on the software and hardware front.

 

The biggest change in terms of pure hardware is that Google has decided to double the RAM in Glass — headsets will now come with 2GB onboard. Through a combination of a slightly bigger battery and software enhancements, Google says that Glass will now last 15 percent longer between charges, as well. The extra RAM "will allow for more Glassware [apps] to run in parallel and for each Glassware to start more quickly," says Steve Lee, a Glass product manager. "You'll notice the device generally feels a bit faster and more reliable."

[tech_guy]

I had a chance to try a pair on last month - my brother-in-law works in the states a lot and was given a pair by his employer.... :-(

 

I was hooked and after previously thinking it would be stupid and useless to own as I already have a smartphone in my pocket that does stuff the same, I'm a convert.

 

But £1k is far too much. The buying price for me would be £299 max.

[localzuk]

One thing they could do to alleviate the privacy fear issue - is do what PC manufacturers do with webcams. Add an indicator light for when the camera is recording. Ok, sure, it isn't a perfect solution but it'd help I think!

[tech_guy]

I haven't closed the Play Store page yet..........

 

I have stuff sat in my shopping cart.....

[Arthur]

 

UK cinemas to ban Google Glass over piracy fears « Engadget

 

"Customers will be requested not to wear these into cinema auditoriums, whether the film is playing or not," says Phil Clapp, chief executive of the Cinema Exhibitors' Association (CEA), which offers guidance to 90 percent of the UK's cinema providers. Movie chain Vue is enforcing a ban, asking users to remove their eyewear "as soon as the lights dim," while Odeon requests that "guests and employees do not wear Google Glasses [...] capable of recording images and video within the cinema auditorium."

[flyinghaggis]

 

UK cinemas to ban Google Glass over piracy fears « Engadget

 

It's understandable given they're basically recording devices but what if people are using their Google glasses with prescription lenses and can't see what's on the cinema screen without them?

[localzuk]

Its somewhat pointless to ban them anyway, as there'll be a completely discrete version within a few years, where people won't be able to tell.

 

Do cinemas ban all phones also? Seems they should if their idea is to reduce piracy. Heck, why not just full body cavity search everyone before going in. You know, because everyone is obvious a pirate.

 

Top tip. The UK is not the originating country for most "handy-cam" style movie piracy. Eastern European countries and Russia are. This ban won't make any difference to piracy at all.

[Arthur]

It's understandable given they're basically recording devices

So are smartphones, but these aren't banned in cinemas.

 

How is anyone going to record an entire movie with Google Glass when the battery lasts 30 minutes (or less)?

 

Also, to start recording a video (without using the trackpad) you have to say "OK glass, record a video". Won't that be a dead giveaway?

Edited June 30, 2014 by Arthur

[flyinghaggis]

Just to add I'm not supporting the fact that cinemas banned Google glass! Just stating that it's not unexpected. As wearable tech takes off they'll ultimately have to give into consumer demand and allow it like they do smartphones. I notice the ads in the cinema now ask people to put their phones on silent rather than turning them off for example.

 

It was kind of surprising the cinema made a resurgence in recent years given the price they're charging for tickets and the fact that everyone had 40-60" TV's which now only cost a couple of hundred quid. Once the 3D fad dies off I'm not convinced how well they'll fare. The cynic in me wonders if 3D is being pushed so hard because it effectively prevents people from recording showings! Everyone I know would rather see the 2D version of a movie when it's an option.

[RichCowell]

Got to say I'm seriously tempted... just wish I knew someone with them already so I could try it out for a while first...