High-Tech Reports

Google Glass is an attempt to free data from desktop computers and portable devices like phones and tablets, and place it right in front of your eyes.

Essentially, Google Glass is a camera, display, touchpad, battery and microphone built into spectacle frames so that you can perch a display in your field of vision, film, take pictures, search and translate on the go.

The principle is one that has been around for years in science fiction, and more recently it’s become a slightly clunky reality. In fact, the “heads-up display” putting data in your field of vision became a reality as early as 1900 when the reflector sight was invented.

Google Glass uses display technology instead to put data in front (or at least, to the upper right) of your vision courtesy of a prism screen. This is designed to be easily seen without obstructing your view. According to Google the display is “the equivalent of a 25-inch high definition screen from eight feet away”. There’s no official word on native resolution, but 640 x 360 has been widely mooted.

Overlaying data into your vision has obvious benefits; many of which are already functional in Google Glass. Directions become more intuitive (although it sounds like there is no GPS on board so you will have to pair it with your phone), you can view real-time translations or transcriptions of what is being said, and you can scroll through and reply to messages – all on the fly.

As well as Google’s own list of features, the early apps for Google Glass provide a neat glimpse into the potential of the headset.

As well as photos and film – which require no explanation – you can use the Google hangout software to video conference with your friends and show them what you’re looking at.

You’ll also be able to use Google Maps to get directions, although with GPS absent from the spec list, you’ll need to tether Glass to your phone.
“Is Glass cool and entirely novel? Yes, it certainly is. Is it a device that will change the life of, or even just prove useful to, the average consumer? That’s doubtful.”

To do that, Google offers the MyGlass app. This pairs your headset with an Android phone. As well as sharing GPS data, this means messages can be received, viewed on the display, and answered using the microphone and Google’s voice-to-text functionality.

Google Glass specifications?

As well as a mooted 640 x 360 display, the built-in camera is a 5MP snapper that can film at 720p.

Battery life is apparently a day, although that’s with the usual “typical use” caveat, which probably excludes a lot of videoing.

There’s 16GB of flash memory built into the device, although only 12GB will be available for user storage. The device will sync to your Google Drive in the cloud

Bluetooth and WiFi will be built in, but no GPS chip – so the Glass will probably work best alongside an Android phone, although you can pair with any Bluetooth enabled phone.

The frame will come with replacement and adjustable nosepads, and is expected to be both lightweight and extremely robust. It will also have a touchpad along one arm.

The sound will be produced through bone conduction transfer – vibrating your skull to transmit to your ears.

There is a Micro USB cable and charger for the dev versions, and all of the above specs are expected to be replicated in the consumer versions when they arrive.

Lastly, Google Glass will come in five colours: Charcoal, Tangerine, Shale, Cotton and Sky. Using Glass’s translation ability to turn that list from marketing speak to plain English, that’s black, orange, grey, white and blue.

Google Glass price?

The Google Glass Explorer (the developer version being sent out now) costs $1,500 – around £985 or AU$1,449.

The consumer versions, which are expected to arrive by the end of 2013, are expected to be a little cheaper, although any actual prices remain speculative. They are unlikely to be super-cheap – but Google’s success with the Nexus 7 tablet may prompt the company to subsidise some of the cost.

Google Glass release date?

A final release date has not been announced, but sources tell us that the original suggestion of 2014 was actually overly pessimistic and we could see Google Glass arrive in time for the end of 2013. So start readying your letter to Santa.

For those of you who are active teenagers, requires ease in everything. For example, to obtain information that supports learning in schools should require electronic gadgets.

MacBook Air

If you prefer an Apple computer instead, the latest MacBook Airs start at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,099 for the 13-incher. Despite its mere 0.68-inch frame, this 2.38-pound machine boasts a fast Core i5 processor, faster flash storage than its predecessor (up to 256GB for the 11-inch model) and up to 8GB of system memory. Along with two USB 3.0 ports, a Thunderbolt port and SDXC memory card slot on the 13-inch model, the MacBook Air also houses an integrated 720p HD webcam for FaceTime or Skype calls. Also, those who buy a Mac for college will get a $100 App Store gift card.

Microsoft Surface Pro

If you can’t decide between a laptop and a tablet, you can have it all with the Microsoft Surface Pro (from $899.99). Perfect for on-the-go students, this 10.6-inch touchscreen tablet is ideal for when you want to use your fingertips (or bundled stylus pen) or use it like a svelte laptop with the optional keyboard cover for typing away on keys. Students might just take the 64GB tablet to class to take notes or record lectures while back in the dorm room the physical keyboard accessory is used to type up the essay.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3

Student who already have a reliable computer with physical keyboard might just want a companion device to take with them to class, the library or study sessions at a local café. Especially if you’re on a tight budget you’ll appreciate the latest Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 tablets, from $199.99 for the 7-inch model. Also available in 8- and 10-inches, these tablets are powered by a 1.2 dual-core processor, Android 4.1 (“Jelly Bean”) operating system and 8-gigabytes of internal storage. Other features of these 9.9mm-thin tablets: a 1024×600 HD screen, 3-megapixel camera and full access to the Google Play store and its more than 800,000 apps.

Livescribe Sky wifi smartpen

The Livescribe Sky wifi smartpen ($180) “remembers” everything it writes or hears when used with special paper with teeny dots on it (Starter Notebook included). Students can write notes during class and record audio, and then with a push of a button, wirelessly send all of it to a free Evernote account – accessible on a smartphone, tablet or computer. Coming soon is an app that will transcribe your handwritten notes into digital text. This product marries “old school” note-taking with the benefits of digital, online.

MyCharge Peak 6000

There’s nothing worse than when you’re on the go and all the gadgets you rely on run out of juice. This is why it’s key for students to keep an external power solution in their backpack, such as the MyCharge Peak 6000 ($80f). This compact, portable charger has enough battery power — a 6000mAh battery – that can power up a typical smartphone about four times. Dual USB slots and Apple iOS connector (30-pin) means you can charge up multiple gadgets at the same time, plus an integrated AC prong lets you plug it into a wall socket when needed.

Epson Expression Home multifunction printer

Students tight on money or space can benefit from a Wi-Fi-enabled multifunction printer that lets you print, scan and copy, with ease. The Epson Expression Home XP-410 Small-in-One ($80), for example, doesn’t even need a PC at all as it features a built-in card slots and a 2.5-inch LCD touchscreen to see what you’re doing. This compact black machine also offers mobile printing capabilities, therefore students can print documents or photos via email from a smartphone, tablet or laptop – even when they’re in the library, lecture hall or while walking around campus — and the print job will be done before they even walk in the door.

Wedge Touch Mouse

Microsoft’s Wedge Touch Mouse ($70) is a compact – and we mean compact at just 2.39 x 2.11 inches — and wireless Bluetooth mouse that offers fluid, four-way touch scrolling in every direction — making it ideal for navigating through Windows 8’s new home screen and its “live tiles.” BlueTrack technology means this unique-looking wedge-shaped mouse tracks on virtually any surface. To preserve battery, the Wedge Touch Mouse automatically shuts down when your computer or tablet is turned off.

WD My Passport Edge

A reliable hard drive is critical to back up and protect a student’s important files. WD’s My Passport Edge (from $79 for 500GB) is a portable drive that delivers fast USB 3.0 speeds, an auto backup feature, password protection and hardware encryption. Available for PC or Mac, My Passport Edge is small, thin and rugged, and doesn’t require AC power — whatever the computer provides through the USB connection is sufficient enough. As a safeguard, also take advantage of free cloud storage services, like SkyDrive.

iHome Bluetooth Speakers

Want to add some boom to your dorm room? iHome Audio has recently launched three different Bluetooth-enabled speakers to stream music, podcasts or audiobooks from a nearby Bluetooth device. In particular, the iHome iBT16 Cube ($43), iBT24 ($76) and iBT4 ($100) all have a rubberized finish and are available in multiple colors, plus they all house an integrated rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. The top-of-the-line speaker, iBT4, offers the most wattage, FM radio with presets, and swivel handle for added portability.

Toshiba Satellite C50

A portable and affordable laptop is probably the most important tool a student can use throughout the school year — and for all ages and subjects. The Toshiba Satellite C50t-A ($599.99) is a sleek Windows 8 machine offering a lot of bang for not a lot of buck. This includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen to use your fingertips to flick, tap and pinch through content. Other features include a 3rd-gen Intel Core i3 processor, USB 3.0 and HDMI ports, 4GB of system memory, 500GB hard drive and DVD burner.