'Google Glasses' - Is This The Next Big Thing?
BOSTON (CBS) - We've all seen it.
Everyday, people walk down the street so focused on their cell phone that they're not paying any kind of attention to their surroundings.
Now, imagine if they couldn't even see their surroundings.
Google has released video shot from the point of view of someone wearing "Google Glasses."
"We think technology should work for you—to be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don't," the company said in its release.
WBZ-TV's Jon Keller Is At Large
The specs stream the Internet directly to your eyeballs and integrate things like search engines, cameras and maps.
The glasses are still being tested. The company released the preview video as a way to receive input from potential users.
It's not clear yet when they will be in stores.
Google's new prototype has caught the interest of local scientists at MIT.
"I think one of the most magical scenarios is, you're at a cocktail party and you've forgotten someone's name. It would be nice to have the names of people, as they're recognized by the camera, floating above their heads, " says MIT Media Lab researcher David Rose.
When we asked people about it, we got mixed reactions.
WBZ-TV's Christina Hager reports
"If it's constantly prompting you with stuff, you might lose your ability to think independently," says Daniel McDuff.
Others have raised safety concerns. Registered Nurse Dahianna Lopez of Harvard's Injury Control Research Center says technological distractions already pose a danger. "We normally have to sort of pay attention to the vehicles, and lights, and people that are walking by and safety in general, and now with this added device, you have essentially something on top of that, an added layer of information that's being fed to you, and so your brain will automatically try to figure out, OK what is the priority?"
Rose says consumers are already used to processing a lot of information at once. "This is actually putting the information in a safer place than looking down at your phone." The company is looking for feedback from the public as it works on developing the technology.
The company is looking for feedback from the public as it works on developing the technology.
WBZ-TV's Christina Hager contributed to this report
What do you think? Would you wear these glasses?
