Google glasses bring augmented reality to eyewear

"Project Glass" aims to deliver hands-free digital information to users on the go

Rumours surrounding Google's latest project, which began to surface months ago, have been confirmed. The tech giant is set to enter the eyewear industry with "Project Glass," an experimental pair of augmented reality glasses that could very well complete your Geordi La Forge Halloween costume.

In a video released Wednesday, Google has unveiled their prototype digital glasses, which use augmented reality to deliver data on the go. The high-tech eyewear can display directions, take photos and engage in videochats, all at the command of the user's voice.

"It's like Iron Man except instead of important world-saving information you're answering your friend's text messages and learning about delays on the subway," explains Mario Aguilar in a Gizmodo piece.

Check out the savvy shades in action:

For the most part, these glasses appear to be a miniaturized, hands-free smartphone accessory, bringing many of today's popular wireless functions right into your field of vision. The gentleman in the video was able to send text messages, receive weather notifications and access his buddy's location via GPS. He even spared himself a useless mission down those steps when alerted that the subway service had been suspended.

If you've ever wanted to view the world as a Terminator would, this may be your chance.

"A group of us from Google[x] started Project Glass to build this kind of technology, one that helps you explore and share your world, putting you back in the moment," shared Google on its website. "We're sharing this information now because we want to start a conversation and learn from your valuable input."

With nearly two-million views in just over a day, the Google shades appear to piquing plenty of interest. Online reaction has been rather positive, with many taking their supportive opinions to Google Plus and Twitter.

"I'd love to see necessary info while I'm driving," wrote one user, according to the NY Daily News. "Speed, a map, is the guy behind me a cop?"

"They let technology get out of your way," shares a user who had used the glasses in the New York Times. "If I want to take a picture I don't have to reach into my pocket and take out my phone; I just press a button at the top of the glasses and that's it."

But one witty skeptic, who created a video to demonstrate the perils of being inundated with visual information, isn't quite sold:

Revolutionary tech such as this, with a healthy slate of pros and cons, is sure to be met with a polarizing response. We wouldn't count out any opinion that is already calling "Project Glass" a flop, but as Forbes has mentioned, Google glasses sound just about as crazy as tablets and smartphones once did.

Unfortunately, we'll have to sit tight for the next nine months before we find out how the public embraces these glasses. Google is reportedly looking to release their latest innovation during this year's holiday season.

(Screengrab NY Daily News)