Tag: wearable tech

New app for Google Glass enables users to control the device with their mind.

A new wearable tech application, a program known as MindRDR, that has been designed to work with Google Glass, but has not yet received approval from Google, allows users to control the optical head mounted display with nothing more than their thoughts.

The program works with Glass and another head mounted sensor.

MindRDR, which comes from London-based developer, This Place Ltd., works in combination with Google’s wearable technology and another sensor that is mounted on the user’s head to analyze the person’s brainwaves. The sensor also measures the focus level of the user. When the user’s level of focus surpasses a specific threshold, MindRDR tells Google Glass to take a picture. If the user continues to concentrate, the app will inform Glass to post the picture on social media.

The app is open source and it is free, which means that anyone is welcome to experiment with it to make new developments. This Place believes that MindRDR could one day be utilized to enable people with locked-in-syndrome, quadriplegia or sever multiple sclerosis to communicate via Google Glass. The company has even said that Stephen Hawking has shown interest in MindRDR.

The app has not been approved by Google but the company is interested in learning about new technology for its wearable tech.

In an email to TIME, a spokesperson for Google comment that the “application seems to work through a separate piece of kit which you attach to Glass. We have not reviewed, nor approved the app so it won’t be available in the Glass app store. Of course, we are always interested in hearing about new applications of Glass.”

The wearable device does not really need hands to be operation because it responds to voice commands. Many believe that Glass has a lot of potential for being particularly beneficial to individuals who are paralyzed, helping them to gain some independence in their life. There have even been talks of Glass having advanced eye tracking capabilities.

Thus, although it is unknown what exactly is in store for Google Glass, it is clear that serious technological advancements are being considered for this wearable tech

This type of product now has its own category, helping to confirm that it’s more than a passing fad.

Wearable technology just received another shot in the arm as it has now received its own store at Amazon.co.uk, which suggests that it is much more than just a short term fad, and is being considered to be a solid tech trend that will be around for a while.

The new category at the giant online marketplace includes everything from smartwatches to fitness trackers.

The wearable technology store is now open and features over one hundred different types of device. They include many different subcategories of wearables, such as health and fitness trackers, smart glasses, smartwatches, wearable cameras, and others. The very nature of this type of mobile device often causes them to fit into more than one of the various categories. There are a broad range of different brands being offered in the store, ranging from more mainstream electronics giants – such as Samsung and Sony – as well as brands specific to wearables, in addition to startups in that category, such as Garmin, Jawbone, GoPro, Withings, and Misfit.

Amazon UK has been watching the sale of wearable technology explode over the last year.

The director of consumer electronics at Amazon.co.uk, Andrew Milliken, explained that “With designs continually becoming simpler, smaller, and more stylish, devices have become increasingly useful and fit seamlessly into everyday life. As well as offering the biggest selection, the focus is also on providing customers with all the information they need to understand these new devices and make the best possible choice.”

The website is also offering a Learning Center for the store that will provide consumers with more product details and images, as well as detailed buying guides, reviews, and information regarding compatibility. This is an important addition to Amazon, considering that not every smartwatch or fitness band is compatible with every smartphone, laptop, or tablet. It is a good idea for customers to drop by that area of the site before actually making a purchase.

Many of the wearable technology devices sold over Amazon UK are compatible only with specific products by the same manufacturer or brand, so the additional resources will likely be quite handy for many shoppers.