New App, New Look, and yes, New Software!

My excitement for upgrades continues! A new app for the device which accompanies Glass has been launched and with it one of my least favorite parts of Glass is fixed!

The MyGlass app is downloadable for free on what ever Store your device uses (depending on Android or Apple) and, until recently, it has been a bear to use. It was a single screen you needed to continuously scroll down to get to your apps, settings, contact list etc. At first the simplicity was nice, but now their are more apps and more settings, it was time for a change.

The new look, all aspects of the app are organized on the side menu.

Above you can see the new look of the MyGlass app. its tough to see, but in the background on the main page it shows the device's location and ID, then the user must simply navigate to the left side menu in order  to see the rest of the goods.

These buckets are nice and very user friendly, but the best part is how easy it makes the Glassware to use:

Each app gets one line and its settings can be expanded by simply clicking the app, so simple, right? Before each app had a banner which stretched from one side of the screen to the other with logos and names in different fonts, colors, etc. It was... .... a challenge to use. So much easier now!

I'm going to go use this new interface and report back, oh look, another Glass update is going in, I wonder what this one will bring.

XE16 is here! andddd its gone...

As you can probably guess, I've been ramping up my Glass usage since I got the my brand new Glass unit earlier this week. One of the best parts of receiving this new unit was the long awaited XE16 software which was pre-loaded on it.

Just to clue you in on what a Software update means, this is the platform itself be upgraded, similarly to changing from IOS6 to IOS7 or Windows 7 to Windows 8. It also means just about everything to the Explorers out there, if you don't believe me, check the blogs on software release day, its a little crazy.

So on to the Software update itself. On the Launch date for XE16 I watched all day awaiting  the software update (Glass updates are pushed to devices, there is no way to force an update). When the XE16 platform was downloaded onto my device initially my Glass got stuck in an infinite loop, as was experienced by many other Glass users. This resulted in constant rebooting once reaching the Glass opening screen while the device got warmer and warmer. I would have to wait to receive my new Glass for the XE16 update.

So fast forward to Monday when I received my new Glass. I checked it once it was al set up and what I saw was unexpected but not shocking. The screen displayed the software version XE16.2. I had not heard of this '.2' change, but I am guessing that this update was simply to stop the infinite loop problem. 

Software versions, at this point, were few and far between, so seeing this update was a tad surprising, but then I saw on Facebook that XE17 was set to launch. Already? Why? The short answer I got from the blogs was this update was intended to add new features and fix additional issues caused by XE16. 

Screenshot of the Glass app on Android in the Device Section. Notice XE17 is the software version.

At some point yesterday I got the XE17 update (likely when I was charging the device). I didn't see any groundbreaking changes from XE16.2; however, I hadn't had long to test XE16.2 and I will update you on the functions I see more in the future.

Screenshot of the Device Info section under Settings

Perhaps more updates will be seen as Google gets closer to making Glass commerically available. When XE16 was initially launched we were told it would enable more frequent udates, but 2.3 updates in a week or two is a bit much.

Who knows what the future holds, what I do know, is I'm still happy with the device and its getting easier to use and Google is definitely listening to feedback as I see issues I've had melt away with each update.

And who knows how many more devices I'll get as the explorer program rages on...

In Accessory News...

When Google sent me the email apologizing  for the inconvenience of breaking my Glass, they gave me a pretty great bonus to seal the deal. They offered to replace the Glass, send all new included supplies (a sun Sport lens, charger, bag, ear piece, nose pads, cleaning supplies, etc) and allowed me to pick one accessory from the Glass Store at no charge!

I immediately knew what I wanted, the frame that alluded me when I first ordered Glass, the Bold titanium. I wasn't sure if it would be included since it carried a $250.00 price tag, but it was worth a shot, and it paid off when I opened the box containing my new Glass and supplies!

Side-by-side Comparison

Bold frame right, Split frame left.

As you can see, these frames are some one similar with the main difference, being the thicker lower rim on the Bold. This gives it the classic thick, full frame I am used to. Other then that, the arms are very similar between the frames and no, neither of these frames fold (I admit, it's a tad tedious that they aren't more compact).

Four Faces of Glass

In addition to the side-by-side comparison, I had to include the picture of all of the looks I have tried thus far.

 

Bold w/ Glass far left, Sport Lens left, Split frame right, Classic Glass on Stock empty frame far right

 

As you can see, this device can indeed be personalized. These are the looks I have tried so far; however, its important to remember that their are two frames, three lenses, and a number of colors not represented here.

 

 

Be you, be transparent, be Glass



Seeing Double?

So your probably wondering why I haven't posted in a while, and I owe you an explanation. For one, life got in the way, work was crazy and life was crazier; however, my second reason is more interesting, especially for the audience of this Blog.

As with any early testing, their are screw ups. I expected something to go wrong in this awesome explorer test, and it did. You may have heard that recently Google released the new XE16 Glass interface (aka Kit Kat even though it's nothing like the Android device interface). When this interface was loaded onto some of the older Glass units they malfunctioned. I was one such victim, this caused a chain reaction of the 6 stages of Glass Grief.

1. Panic. Why is my Glass busted!? What do I do!? I paid for this?! I'm confused and alone!!
2. Despair. I don't know what to do. This is a lost cause. Woe is me. Sad face etc.
3. Surprise. Turns out the Glass Team is incredible and will simply ship me another one immediately!!
4. Yearning. When is it gonnnaaa beee hereeeeeeeeee. Let me check the tracking infor every three seconds.
5. Excitement. It's hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! How fast can I open this without destroying the pretty packaging?
6. Bonding. Finding all of the reasons why this is the new unit is better then the old one.

Here is the picture of both Glass units. Truly a beautiful site. A kind of old-meets-new piece really.

 

On to a new chapter in Glass. the XE16 interface and brand new accessories. I'll do better at posting now, promise.

What Do I See, and What do They See??

A recurring theme of this blog will be the appearance of Glass, because as I have said before, though it is technologically advance d beyond what I thought possible, if its ugly I simply will not wear it. I expect many readers would have a similar set of priorities, so lets discuss the 1st and 2nd person view.

They See:
So here are three of the key angles other people will witness you in straight on, 45 degrees to the right, and 45 degrees to the left. Why do I cover only these angles, simply put: Its easiest to take pictures of myself at these angles, I'm not wearing glass on the back of my head, and these are the angles people you are interacting with will see you from, so they are most important in my book.

• Straight on. Yes, I'm a walking, talking cliché blogging at Starbucks, but lets move past that. This is me, wearing my Glass, and, as you can see, Glass is on. I am on the "ok glass" menu (described in detail in my previous post) and if you zoom in you can clearly see that this is what I am looking at, answering the question, "Can people see what your doing when your on Glass?" They will have to squint and interpret the mirror image, but they can get an idea of what you're up to in most cases.

•  Looking from the left (the onlooker's left). Ok, I look a little space aged here, no doubt, but the height of the Glass module is not to far off from my Ray Ban Wayfarers so the look isn't that strange comparatively. Also, the bulk of the unit is out of the average person's visual range, so don't worry about sight impairment.

•  Looking from the Right (the onlooker's right). This really isn't and odd angle, the glass unit is clearly behind the head and the arm really isn't that obtrusive. It looks a tad bulkier then it truly appears since I took the picture from a lower angle, but I'm not a photographer so you must forgive my lack of skill! 

 

 

You See:

So what does the Glass User actually see? I will continue providing screen shots in my posts, but many people are far more concerned with what they see as it pertains to their total visual field. I will attempt to give you some idea here:

• The Camera Shot of Glass Catastrophe. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, I'm not a photographer, which explains why I consider this picture a catastrophe. Trying to hold my phone, and glass, and make sure neither hibernates, was a challenge, and it yielded the result below. That being said, I think it offers some interesting insights into what glass looks like from a different angle. (the glass is low lit because its the only way I could get a picture without distortion, In reality the image appears completely solid, again, not a photographer!)

 

• Better examples of what looking through glass is like are seen on YouTube. These are what I looked at prior to getting Glass and they are definitely the clearest examples of what it is like:
• While using Navigation (GPS)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZdkIVS53Uw
•  GE Concept video. This is not a real application yet, but the way Glass recognizes parts and responds to voice is a great example of the Glass interface. Also, this is about the size and look you see in your view.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndKqo0pzmqM

Final Thoughts

Don't be afraid of the look, it feels natural, and the look is more interesting than it is unattractive. As far as seeing the world, since only on small field of one eyes visual range is utilized, you can still see everything you could without glass, your just adding a little more.

 

Its a new look and a new life, challenge the ordinary.

 



The Power of Two Little Words: "ok glass"

Immediately upon receiving Glass it is critical that you understand the true meaning of "Ok Glass." If you do not own Glass or have not tried Glass this concept is foreign to you, so let me explain.

Ok, when you turn on glass or wake it up by tapping the tight arm or tilting your head to the "Wake Up Angle" (we will get into that later) this is the screen you are presented with:

 

 

Since this is the opening screen, a Glass user  will become very familiar with this image very quickly. As you can see it displays the time (which is handy since looking up is faster then bringing up a watch to view) as well as the phrase "ok glass." This solitary instruction opens up the user to a whole world of abililties never before accessible in such a natural way.

 

"ok glass"

Say it loud, say it soft, say it with an accent, Google will hear you. The voice recognition on this device is phenomenal, as it should be considering this is your primary means of controlling the device. Once you say, scream, whisper, or mutter "ok glass" this screen is displayed:

 

ok glass Menu
At first glance this menu looks typical, simple, and maybe even a little restrictive, I know because I shared this underwhelming feeling the first time I turned on Glass. I recall my thoughts to be something like: "What the heck, I can only search. take pictures, text call, and record videos? I want more!" But there was more to this little screen, so so much more:

• Glassware adds to the functions on this menu. Think of Glassware like your apps, in fact, at first I was confused as to why they weren't called apps, but now its clear. When you download Glassware, like YouTube or Google Play, there is not an icon for the function, rather, the functionalities are added to the already present Glass menus and functions. Example: By downloading YouTube the "Upload to YouTube" menu is built into the Glass video recorder. For Google Play, the menu option "listen to" is added to the above menu, and the music icon is added to the main menu (discussed later). So what looked like a short menu when I started has grown substantially as I have added Glassware making it more useful and much more impressive.
• Go ahead, look around, see what your missing. At first you may ask yourself why this easily accessible menu only has five options, the answer is simple, it doesn't. Look up and down by tilting your head slightly and you can scroll up and down this list which will display more and more commands as you get more comfortable with Glassware. If you are looking  to impress friends, get them to this menu and tell them to look around, then watch their jaw drop.
• After you get comfortable, this menu is no longer necessary. If you know your commands, don't feel like you have to use this menu, it is merely a reference tool, it does not need ot be up for you to start telling Glass what to do, so don't talk choppy. The commands seem conversational because they are, because that is what a natural internal dialogue is like, so get comfortable and chat. Today I was driving (using Glass GPS) and I wanted to give a friend the heads up that I was on the way so I simply said: "Ok glass, send a message to John Doe, I'll be their in five minutes" Once that was said Google put together the message, displayed it for a quick second to let me opt out if necessary, then sent it. No distraction, no phone, no buttons, just a quick command. This is the meaning of accessibility

Layer 1.
The "ok glass" screen is a part of what I refer to as Layer 1. I call it this because if I scroll right  (using the right temple touch pad) I get to my Glass Timeline, if I scroll left I get to GPS and settings. To get into each application without using voice control (because lets be real, you don't want to look crazy constantly talking to yourself) simply scroll down to get into Layer 2.

Don't be shy, tell Glass what to do, its always listening.



The Big Issue: The Look

The Big Issue: The Look

Typically when an invention with virtually infinite potential is offered to the public the first question asked isn't, "But how does it look?" I found it odd when I was in the ordering process that I spent the most time worrying about the frame designs and colors rather then on the price, tech accessories, and evey other consideration combined. My first thought after checkout was a "how vein of me" type response, but after further examination, this thing is on your face, its a part of how you are perceived by the world at large, yea it better be sexy.

That being said lets look at the first Glass Frames designs, The Titanium Collection

The Split

So to start out, I have a clear Bias, this is the model I have. It is a thin all titanium frame which encases the entire lens (no wire). A basic and even classic design with elegant lines which take away from the bulkiness of the Glass module. I enjoy mine and would recommend these to a potential Glass buyer.



The Thin

A frame which exemplifies its name, The Thin is indeed thin. I'm not personally as much of a fan of this frame because it is very standard as frames go. Thin all the way around with, in my opinion, no truly defining markers. If you are looking for something that may look like the glasses you wear, these may be it.


The Curve

I like this frame a lot, it has a curvy brow with a fairly uniform thickness around the lens. Now, this is a "unisex" lens; however, the curvy nature and sharp corners would frame a woman's face in a wonderfully feminine way. Guys, if you're looking for a thick, retro look, the next frame is for you.

The Bold

This is the frame I would have picked had they been in stock when I was buying my Glass. From what I understand this was the first frame to sell out, and it is clear why. This frame is the closes to the Iconic Ray-Ban Wayfarer look with its thick rim and boxy face. I would say it appears to be closest to the Ray-Ban Wayfarer 2132 with much thinner arms, but that's just me. Definitely a good look for anyone.

Now remember, the frames are built into the Glass module and are not truly free standing glasses. Without the Glass module they will have a gimpy arm not capable of keeping them steady on your face but extremely capable of irritating you. Basically wear it as a unit.


But I Want Sunglasses!

Google thought this look out first with its Shades. These work different then the frames above since they simply snap onto the unit that comes with glass (I'm referring to the silver bar with nose pads that makes you look like an alien)


The Edge

A simple square look that could easily adorn the face of a man or woman. As with any shade, the bright colors will stand out more then ever, as seen in the picture above.


 The Classic

 

 This frame is definitely going over that classic Wayfarer inspired look. Not bad Google, just get rid of that silver wire holding it up and I really think this could be a great look.


The Active

The Active comes with the Explorer 2.0 Glass unit so it is the only Shade I possess. I like it a lot. The Oakley Radar inspired look makes the silver wire unit look like it is part of the frame rather than a foreign embellishment. In my opinion, stay with what they give you on this one, this is a great look if your willing to utilize a clearly sporty frame.



For more information on the looks check out Googles "How it Looks" page below
http://www.google.com/glass/start/how-it-looks/

Summary:
I've said it before and I'll say it again, is it a big unit? Yes. Do you stick out like a sore thumb? No. You will look different to those paying attention, but assuming you don't go with an electric green color scheme, the Glass can go undetected in crowds.

Don't let the look be the point that holds you up, its not bad, in fact its decent and getting bette.