 "Google Glass development kit now open to all")
After wrapping up the Glass hackathon, Google has finally made the Glassware development kit (GDK) open to everyone. According to Engadget, essentially anyone can now download the development kit and have a go at making some apps for the much-hyped Google Glass. Before this, developers would have to somehow be on a whitelist to get access to the GDK.
Google is currently working on introducing a new version of Glass with a bunch of new features, such as improved hardware. The new Glass will also have a dedicated ear bud as well as support for prescription lenses. Google has even started talks with companies like VSP Global—an American vision benefits provider that also makes frames and lenses—to make special prescription lenses for use with Glass. There are also talks about VSP training optometrists to fit Glass into prescription glasses for customers.
We’ll get to see more apps like this
Currently, the discussions seem to be in the early stages, and neither of the companies have made any formal agreement. “Down the road I think this technology is going to blow up,” says Woodland Hills, California-based optometrist Matt Alpert. Alpert is on the board of VSP Global and is one of the early testers of Google Glass. “As soon as apps are developed that are relevant for your world, it will start to take off.”
Back in October, Google had started teasing Glass 2 and introduced a swap-out programme for those who already have the Explorer Edition of Glass. And the hardware upgrades are pretty nifty too. According to a Google+ post, the company will “be offering a one-time optional swap out for Explorers who purchased their device before October 28, 2013. This hardware update will allow your Glass to work with future lines of shades and prescription frames, and we’ll also include a mono earbud.” The fact that Google Glass will finally be compatible with prescription glasses should be a huge source of relief for many users.
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