Google Glass may be ready within a year

In an interview with BBC Radio 4 show "World at One", Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt revealed that Glass for consumers is probably a year-ish away. Schmidt explained that Glass is currently being tested by thousands of developers, and noted that usage feedback over the next few months would prompt changes to the device before being made available to the general public.

Google previously stated that there will be a "high resolution display" in Google Glass, which is apparently the "equivalent of a 25 inch high definition screen from eight feet [2.4 meters] away" - although other documents reveal that the actual resolution of the display is 640 x 360. When it comes to Glass' audio, it's powered by a bone conduction transducer, removing the need for an in-ear earpiece and keeping the overall look quite sleek.

The camera on the eyepiece, is 5-megapixels and capable of 720p video recording. There's also Wi-Fi 802.11b/g built in (no 802.11n apparently), as well as Bluetooth, a 16 GB flash memory chip (of which 12 GB is usable) and a battery good for "one full day of typical use". The packaging will also come with a microUSB charger for Glass, which Google advises you use to "preserve long and prosperous" use of the unit.