Google drops in on own party
Web giant shows off augmented specs at I/O conference, while RIM struggles. Also: Apple wins tablet injunction.
Google gave a demonstration on how to create buzz for a product -- even if it's one that consumers won't see for a couple of years.
The first Project Glass products -- Google's network-enabled, computerized glasses -- are set to ship to a select group of enthusiasts early next year, co-founder Sergey Brin said this week at the I/O developers conference. The glasses will be available only to Google I/O attendees who are in the United States. The geographic restriction is for regulatory reasons, Brin said. (Different countries have different requirements for radio-frequency emissions.)
Google demonstrated the glasses with a dramatic live Google+ hangout involving four parachutists who jumped out of a blimp above San Francisco and landed on the roof of San Francisco's Moscone Center, where Google I/O was taking place. Each wore Project Glass glasses that broadcast what they saw. So did stunt bicyclists and climbers who rappelled down the side of the building. All joined a relieved Brin on stage to a standing, applauding crowd that clearly liked the show.
Sergey Brin: Google glasses will free you
I try the Google glasses. Sort of
Google also took the wraps off the Nexus 7 tablet. As previously reported, the device was built by Asus and comes with a 7-inch 1,280-by-800 HD display. It runs the Tegra 3 processor and has a front-facing camera for video chatting. Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as Bluetooth and near-field communication support are also included in the device.
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