GlassUp (shown here) has a very similar design to Google Glass
Earlier this summer on The Fried Side, I wrote an article discussing Google Glass and the many amazing features it has. In addition to explaining how glass works and what they look like, I discussed how incredibly expensive they are. At $1500 a pop, they are out of many people's price range.
A Similar Idea
What if a company was able to produce a product very similar to Google Glass at a fraction of the cost? Well, Italian company GlassUp has created a similar product for $399. Of course, the glasses include different features than the already famous Google Glass, but they seem to be much more realistically priced for the average person. Maybe Google Glass isn't meant to be used by the average person. Maybe it will have business uses instead.
GlassUp
The alternative augmented reality specs work by using Bluetooth technology that is connected to your smartphone. The information from your phone is sent to the glasses and notifications are displayed on GlassUp’s lenses. The projections are in the center of the glasses, which is one major difference from Google Glass. However, in a similar way, notifications are based off of which apps users choose to download. According to the company, the projection of the information in the center of the glasses will put much less strain on the users eyes. It is similar to looking through a windshield.
The battery life averages about 150 hours of standby mode. Also, there are rumors that a prescription lens option could come in the near future. GlassUp describes these glasses as a “receive only” device, which means users can only receive information while wearing these glasses. They are unable to respond to text messages or emails and they cannot take pictures or videos. GlassUp’s maker, Gianluigi Tregnaghi, claims that he created GlassUp two years ago, before Google ever announced Google Glass.
GlassUp has said they have been getting “trademark” attention from Google, which asked GlassUp to change the product name. Regardless of the name, the product is set to go into production in February 2014.
Users Thoughts?
What do you think about this potential rivalry with Google Glass? I’m having a hard time deciding if it will even affect Google at all. The interactive feature of Google Glass is something I think is very important to users looking for a more convenient and on-the-go product. The price of GlassUp is definitely a major benefit of their product, but I’m not sure if the remaining features are up to par.
Check out how the glasses work here
