Google has released the first update of its much-anticipated head-mounted Glass, which, although only reaches the shelves towards the end of the year, has already been in the hands of developers since February.
Among the dozen new features the update rolled out, one of the most prominent is the Google+ notifications for users – a bid of the search giant to make its Glass useful to users.
The update takes place automatically as long the headset is plugged to a charger, according to reports by Phandroid.
“The update ‘fixes’ some pretty big issues I’ve personally noticed in Glass, and is just the first of many Glass will receive before it’s big debut to the public,” points the Pandroid report.
The new Google Glass XE5 software update rolled out the following features:
• A change to the device's sync policy. It now requires power as well as WiFi for background uploads.
• Crash reporting for the devices.
• Incoming Google+ notifications for direct shares, comments and +mentions.
• Incoming Google+ Hangout notifications.
• Increased speed for transcription of queries and messages.
• Users can now use a long-press to search from anywhere in the user interface.
• International number dialing and Short Message Service (SMS) are now included.
• A new On-Head Detection calibration flow for improved operation.
• Appearance of the devices serial number on the device info card to make it easier to find.
• Improved and more reliable estimation of battery charge time that is remaining.
The software update is performed via WiFi after the device is plugged into its charger.
"The process can take more than a few minutes (it is a pretty substantial update)," reported Phandroid.
Google is reportedly considering a partnership with sunglass retailers like Ray-Ban or Warby Parker, and may eventually open retail stores. The Explorer Edition cannot be used by people who wear prescription glasses, but Google has confirmed that Glass will eventually work with frames and lenses that match the wearer's prescription.
