Rumor: Microsoft Cloning Google Glass Too for 2014
Microsoft is supposedly building Smart Glasses too.
Last week brought reports that Chinese search giant Baidu is working on a clone of Google Glass. The news stemmed from an April Fools' joke that "spun out of control," but a rep from the company said there is a hint of truth behind the joke, that internal testing is in progress to produce something similar to Glass.
Now there is a rumor that Microsoft is doing the same, only the Redmond company is expected to produce a working product in 2014. The rumor stems from analyst Brian White, who informed investors of his theory about Microsoft's Internet-connected specs on Thursday.
Unfortunately, he didn't provide any extra specifics. But Microsoft's entry into the wearable tech realm really isn't all that far-fetched, and it wouldn't be surprising if the company actually introduces a prototype during BUILD 2013 or E3 2013 this June. A Windows 8-based set of specs that connect to a Windows-based tablet, smartphone and/or PC? You bet. Console connectivity is even likely.
"It appears to us that Google has made significant breakthroughs around software applications as it relates to this new product," he said. "As such, we believe this initiative will kick off a major push into the field of wearable electronics and therefore will be closely scrutinized."
Apple is reportedly taking a different avenue by developing the much-rumored iOS-powered iWatch. White also said that Apple is working on the iRing, which will interact with the upcoming iTV slated for a late 4Q13 release. This ring, acting as a navigation pointer, will help enhance motion detection and allow users to control the television set using hand gestures. The iWatch will supposedly interact with iTV as well.
Last month, Samsung confirmed that it, too, is working on a Smart Watch. "We’ve been preparing the watch product for so long," said Lee Young Hee, executive vice president of Samsung’s mobile business, in an interview with Bloomberg. "We are working very hard to get ready for it. We are preparing products for the future, and the watch is definitely one of them."
Marshal Cohen, an analyst at NPD Group, later said that the race is on to redesign the mobile phone into something that you wear. "We’re going to see formidable competition coming from many different directions -- from device makers, accessory makers, even fashion designers," he said.
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As for Microsoft, the company will likely not arrive late in the game as it did in the tablet and smartphone sectors. Developing wearable tech should actually be a given seeing that its two major competitors are busily working on gadgets. We suspect that Kinect and the Xbox brand will somehow be involved.
Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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fearless1333 Wow, incompatibility is going to be rampant.Reply
The Google "smartwatch" will connect with Google Shoes, the xphone, the Google TV, possibly the new Xbox and Google Glass.
The Apple iWatch (as some current rumors suggest) will connect with the iPhone, the iPod touch, the iPad, etc. The rumored iRing will connect with the iTV.
The Samsung Smart Watch will connect with Samsung smart phones through Android.
Three watches and all 3 connect with something different. Why. -
slomo4sho Is there truly any need to be connected 24/7?Reply
The joys of being disconnected in a connected world :) -
killerclick Google, Microsoft and others are attempting to somehow tie this in to their services, but the only true, lasting effect of this technology will be the (gradual) elimination of fixed physical displays.Reply -
jhansonxi I like HUD distractions. voyeurism, and the elimination of privacy as much as anyone else but I'll wait for Apple's "iGlasses" or whatever they iCall it. Like all computer technology until Apple creates something then it doesn't really exist yet. Besides, why settle for something from one of the lesser evils?Reply
Any bets as to how fast the pr0n industry adopts the iRing? -
ib2007 I wouldn't be surprised if the wristwatch will have a touch sensitive face (glass dial) that can double up as a track pad for or touch pad for the wearable glasses like a mouse so you can wear a personal computer on the go.Reply -
bigdragon I remember when Microsoft used to be an innovation leader. They've been content to follow everyone else and copy them for the past decade. I think this is a huge mistake that is destined to become another Zune. Microsoft should focus on fixing some of their other products first, particularly Sync (you know, the thing that ruins all new Ford vehicles and makes Jeremy Clarkson yell at a car to shut up).Reply
Just for fun, I'd like to see Apple or Google come up with a ridiculous product concept for something they know will fail and will never actually bring to market. Promise it, but don't bring it to market. I bet Microsoft will just duplicate it and rush it to market. They've been doing stupid stuff like that for a while now.