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.
• Google unveils the Nexus Q 'social streaming media player'
• Google shows Apple: We made ours in the U.S.A.
More headlines
RIM turns in lousy Q1, delays BlackBerry 10
The delay of BlackBerry 10 devices, which were supposed to come in the second half of 2012, sets up a cash flow concern going forward.• Analyst sees RIM losing 90 percent of workers
• RIM reportedly considering splitting company in two
Apple wins injunction against Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Preliminary ban will prevent the Android-powered tablet -- considered by many as the leading challenger to Apple's iPad -- from being sold in the United States.• Apple posts $2.6 million bond to ban Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
FBI cybercrime sting leads to 24 arrests
Law enforcement poses as hackers to identify "carders" from around the world who allegedly make money off stolen credit-card, bank-account and personal-identification information.• FTC sues Wyndham hotels over data breaches
Zynga game changers: New games, friend network, API
"Zynga Unleashed" event at company's headquarters in San Francisco sees Zynga founder and CEO Mark Pincus attempt to change perceptions about Zynga's future.• New Zynga game The Ville allows virtual sex
Kim DotCom warrants invalid, New Zealand judge rules
High Court judge finds search warrants were too general and rules the data in cloned drives should not have been released to the FBI.• MegaUpload sees big court win, but case far from over
• What Woz really thinks about Kim DotCom
• MegaUpload scoreboard: Momentum is with Kim DotCom
Mac users pay more than PC users, says Orbitz
The travel site says Mac users will pay $20 to $30 a night more on hotels than PC users.• How to outfox Web sites trying to get you to pay top dollar
Facebook adds 'Find Friends Nearby' feature for Web, mobile
Quietly launched feature allows users to locate and add new friends at events or locations without having to search for them by name.• Facebook quietly removes 'test' friend-finding feature
The iPhone at 5: From uncertainty to runaway hit
Apple's iPhone first went on sale five years ago Friday. CNET gazes back at some of its early flaws, and looks to what lies ahead.• 5 years later, iPhone revenue hits $150B
Also of note
• Google scientists find evidence of machine learning
• Leap second: June 30 to be longer than other days
• Panasonic to assume Microsoft's keynote role at CES