The Digital Curve

I’m sure by now you’ve heard about the new digital glasses that Google is set to introduce next year.  The name of the product is fittingly called, “Glass” and it even has its own website for you to see what its all about.  I knew that with the speed in which technological innovation took place, that you wouldn’t have to wait too long until the standard sci fi fare “space goggles” were part of our digital world.  Well, it hasn’t gotten to that point yet but I’m sure that with how fast cool breakthrough tech products proliferate though society, it won’t take too long – remember the introduction of the iPhone?

These glasses have actually been around for about a year but it’s been mostly made available to software developers for testing.  They even launched a campaign where they asked people to share on Twitter and Google+ their ideas of how they would use the glasses.  Those people will then have the opportunity for Google to pick them to, get this, pre-order the developer version of the Glasses for $1,500 – nice.

There are a number of features on the glasses which stand out.  First is voice control function where you can prompt commands to display images, snap a picture or record a video.  You and even bring up the 3D navigation function, which shows up on one of the lenses.

The look of the Google Glass isn’t exactly inconspicuous.  It still has to contain a processor, camera, touchpad and display box.  I happen to live in Silicon Valley and the other day, I was at a Thai restaurant within a quick drive from Google’s Mountain View campus and I saw a woman wearing a pair of these glasses while eating her lunch.  I was like, “Come on, seriously?  You’re really going to wear this contraption while eating lunch with a friend?  Enjoy your lunch!”  Perhaps she just wanted to be “cool” and the first to show off the much talked about Google glasses.  That’s what you get for living in Silicon Valley.

Well, not quite yet.  You’ll have to wait a little while longer.  It’s still early enough in the year to write something about the exciting new digital products coming out for 2013.  I’ll probably go more in depth later but I know one thing for sure – new gaming consoles are more than rumored to come out from Sony and Microsoft this year and perhaps 2014!  For those of you who like the old school consoles, the release of these products will be much anticipated.  During a time when social gaming has taken everything by storm, it’s nice to see console gaming come out with two potential game changers.

Let’s start with the Microsoft Xbox 720, as it is rumored to be called.  Actually, it’s been reported that Microsoft has been out on a URL buying spree so it’s really anyone’s guess what name they will settle on when this thing goes to launch.  Now to the things we all want to know.

It looks like this console will be based on Microsoft’s  Kinect platform and it will be the next generation version with talk of 3D wall projections to truly enhance your gaming experience.  Talk about how gaming has evolved!  Compare that to the NCAA Football 2003 game that I used to play with my controller.  Imagine playing QB for the Florida Gators and facing a fierce Bama d-line in 3D on your living room wall ready to come at you at full speed at the snap of the ball – Yo, bring it on!  Now you wonder why gaming is a multi-billion dollar industry with no end in sight.

The graphics chip of the new Xbox 720 is also rumored to be using a improved version of AMD’s 7000 series graphics architecture.  This would put the new Xbox on the same playing field as the new PS4 if true.  I’m one of those people who always looks at processing power in gaming consoles as a way to look into the possibilities with the new games coming out and what they are able to do to “one up” the competition.

People who have been following the new Xbox rumors probably remember last summer when it was leaked that Microsoft’s new unit will come with 1080p and full 3D support.  It was also reported that a Blu-ray player and DVR functionality will be added, which would be pretty nice.  I remember that being a swaying factor in what to buy during the last generation of Xbox and PS units, and when the PS3 came with the Blu-Ray player, it made the decision a little easier for some people.

When and how much is what everyone wants to know.  How about this – Christmas time and who cares.  Just go buy it!  With all that functionality, expect it to be over $300.  Of course that all depends on when the PS4 launches.  As we all know, competition brings better pricing.

New Cool And Exciting HD Product Reviews Coming Soon!  Stay tuned.