Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2013/11/23/blind_glassholes_rejoice_google_working_on_prescription_headsets/
Half-blind Glassholes rejoice! 'Prescription' Google goggles a-comin'
Six eyes to be optimised to four – new claim
Posted in Personal Tech, 23rd November 2013 00:29 GMT
Google could soon be building customized Glass headsets for those with prescription eyewear.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the advertising giant is in talks with eyewear provider VSP Global on a deal to allow VSP to manufacture Google Glass headsets that can have corrective lenses fitted.
The companies have made no formal announcement about any agreement on a partnership deal. VSP spokesmen declined to comment on the report.
Though seemingly a minor detail, the addition of prescription lens would be a major stepping stone for the Google Glass gear. Should the technospecs aspire to become an everyday wearable computing device, practical issues such as corrective lens support would need to be addressed early in the release cycle.
Today the headset is available as a limited beta for trendy types and developers; it has yet to advance beyond the pilot phase.
Additionally, a partnership between Google and VSP Global could signal a willingness among hardware partners to jump on board the Glass platform. Though developers have shown an interest in the augmented reality project, Google has yet to announce major rollout deals with electronics manufacturers.
The reports come as Google is ramping up its Glass developer program. Earlier this week the web biz released a new software development kit which will allow programmers to craft natively running software for the headset hardware.
The platform is not without its critics, however. Among them is Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who predicts the headset devices will be only slightly cooler than Bluetooth earpieces. ®