I recently had the chance to test out Google’s new augmented reality glasses for the first time. As an avid tech enthusiast, I was eager to see how these innovative AR glasses compared to existing products on the market. Here are my first impressions after spending a few days with Google’s latest gadget.
Unboxing and Setup
Upon opening the box, I was greeted by the sleek AR glasses, a charging cable, and some brief instructions. The design is lightweight and comfortable with a minimalist look.
Setting up the glasses was very straightforward. I simply had to:
- Download the companion app on my smartphone and connect via Bluetooth
- Calibrate the glasses to track my eye movements and hand gestures
- Complete a brief tutorial on the app to learn the basics of navigating the AR interface
The easy setup process only took about 10-15 minutes before I was ready to start exploring.
Interacting with the AR Interface
The glasses display contextual information right before your eyes without being too distracting. The AR interface is controlled completely hands-free using subtle eye movements and hand gestures.
After some practice, I got the hang of navigating the menus and selecting options quickly just by looking around and pointing. It became second nature after a while.
Some of the hand gestures include:
- Pointing with index finger – select menu item
- Pinching thumb and index finger – go back / close menu
- Swiping hand left/right – switch between menus and widgets
The glasses track gestures accurately most of the time but can occasionally misread inputs.
Key Features and Apps
Here are some of thekey features and apps I tested out:
Navigation
- Turn-by-turn AR directions overlaid on real-world view
- Useful for driving, walking, or biking around
- Displays distance and estimated travel time to destination
Translation
- Can translate text instantly in real-time
- Supported languages include English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, etc.
- Very handy for traveling abroad or having a conversation
Information Lookup
- Can look up information on any object recognized by pointing at it
- Pulls up relevant knowledge panels, photos, videos, web results
- Great for spontaneous research and learning
Gaming
- Played basic AR games that blended virtual elements with real environment
- More complex games with multiplayer features coming soon
While the current app selection is limited, Google plans to open AR glasses up to third-party developers soon.
Overall Experience and Impressions
Here are some of my key takeaways after using the AR glasses briefly:
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The hands-free control scheme felt very futuristic and liberating. I appreciated being able to access information and apps without reaching for my phone.
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The glasses are relatively comfortable to wear even for longer periods. I barely noticed them on after a while.
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The AR interface provides helpful information on demand without being overwhelming. It’s there when you need it but otherwise stays out of the way.
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However, the gesture controls aren’t perfectly accurate yet and have a slight learning curve.
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The glasses attracted a lot of attention when worn in public indicating people are still intrigued by the technology.
Overall, I’m impressed with Google’s innovative leap into AR glasses. The potential applications are vast once third-party apps are supported. While still early stages, the foundations and UX are solid. I’m excited to see where Google takes AR glasses next!
