Google has purchased a patent portfolio for a high-end augmented reality display from noted supplier of Apple components and other IT brand giants, Foxconn's Hon Hai Precision Industry.
The patent portfolio outlines the makings of technology that would superimpose a computer-generated image on a real world view. Although the technology is mostly used in aviation and tactical displays, or gaming and video devices for training simulation tools, Google will likely use it to ramp up production and quality on the Google Glass augmented reality wearable tech device that it has been testing to select users over the past few months.
Foxconn made the announcement via a news release on Friday, according to PCWorld. No further details about the impact this purchase will have on Google's latest project were given. Google, in fact, declined to comment on the purchase at all.
Google will need all the help it can get in order to make its wearable head-mounted device seem like a viable market option. Right now the public only has murky ideas as to what the device can do and how it will be regulated once more people have access to them. The only thing known about the Google Glass for sure is that it looks somewhat silly on the head, according to many but not all, as made evident by the Glass' inclusion in a 12-page spread in the Sept. issue of Vogue.
Right now Google is only testing the Glass amongst a group of hand-picked developers and testers. There are thousands of devices out in the world right now, but none of them are available for purchase. It's latest patent purchase with Foxconn will likely help ramp up production by giving the display the shot in the arm that it's been needing.
With Google ramping up development of the Glass across the board, and with its testing phase being very much in the public spotlight, it makes sense that the company would try and figure out the best way to bring the device to market as quickly as possible. However, if it jumps the gun too quickly and produces a subpar product, it could set the market for head-mounted display devices back years.
