FollowThe consumer version of the Google Glass is coming sooner than expected according to a report on eWeek. The developer version was released in February with information that consumer models would be launched in 2014. So, a 2013 launch is definitely great news for tech zealots waiting to get their hands on the innovative device.
Google seems to be advancing the launch date due to privacy concerns and to take advantage of holiday sales around Christmas. The Glass is expected to cost $1,500, though official details on pricing and other specifications for the consumer version have yet to be released.
It is interesting to note that Samsung has a big role in the supply chain for Google Glass, as reported by Korea Times. The microdisplays required to project the virtual image on the wearer’s retina will come from Samsung. More precisely, Google Glass will come with Samsung’s organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology. The current developer version released via the Explorer program is said to feature liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) microdisplay. Unlike LCOS, OLED works without backlighting, meaning that, the Glass will not require additional space for a lighting source. Further, OLED consumes lesser power compared to LCOS, a crucial criterion for small-sized devices.
The source also draws on Samsung Display CEO’s cue on the collaboration. At the recent Society for Information Display meet held in Vancouver, the executive mentioned that OLED could be used for glasses and augmented-reality gadgets, such as Google Glass. The flexible OLED technology from Samsung is touted to have applications in several wearable devices including smartwatches and health bands. Google CEO is said to have visited Samsung’s OLED production units in Korea to collaborate on futuristic projects.
Will the ground-breaking wearable computer technology of Google Glass be a hit?
