A recently awarded Google patent includes depictions of a new hand-triggered camera function that could be included in future versions of Google Glass.
Citing the need for a redesign – and slow sales for its Explorers program – Google stopped selling the most recent version of its Google Glass back in January. While the company declined to provide any specifics on its next version of the device at the time, a newly awarded patent – and sources close to the device’s creation – give a few hints of what might be in store for the high-tech gadget.
The upcoming revamp, being called “Enterprise Edition,” includes a larger display, a larger intel processor and maybe even the ability to take photos when a user makes a box with their fingers, 9to5Google, citing sources with knowledge of the new device, reports.
The so-called Enterprise Edition – which is already being tested and showcased to interested companies – will reportedly come with a larger prism display that allows users to more comfortably view what is being recorded by the device and avoid eye strain issues. The device will also reportedly come with an extended battery life thanks to a low-power Intel chip.
As for the stylistic aspect of the upcoming version, 9to5Google reports it will likely be bigger, but offered few other descriptions.
Back in May, Italian eyewear company, Luxottica – the company behind Ray-Ban and Oakley – announced it had teamed up with Google to make the next version of Glass fashionable and something people would like to actually wear.
As for the newly approved patent, it offers a few clues about the evolving entertainment capabilities that might soon be found in Google Glass.
The patent – which only refers to a head-mounted device, not Google Glass specifically – outlines a way in which wearers can trigger the camera function of a device simply by using their hands, Quartz reports.
The hand-triggered system would “capture and process images in response to a user placing their hands in, and then withdrawing their hands from, a frame formation,” the patent states.
The new photo technology would allow users to pose their fingers in different shapes to take photos.
Google’s last version of Glass required users to either click a button or verbally command the device to take photos or record their surroundings (including people who might not want to be filmed).
While the patent doesn’t specify if the finger-triggered system would for video, it does suggest that users can create different shapes with their hands to create landscape, portrait and other types of photos.
Google did not immediately respond to Quartz’s inquiry about whether the new function would be included in the newest version of Glass – which the company previously said it expected to be out later this year.
Google Glass ‘Enterprise Edition’ brings new larger prism, Intel Atom CPU, optional external battery pack [9to5Google]
Google wants you to use your fingers to take photos on the next Google Glass [Quartz]
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist