Lenovo's pursuance of a patent for their own Google Glass connected eyewear device could signal an influx of other technology companies releasing their own versions of the gadget.
"[I]t is desired to provide a new portable electronic device to free both hands of the user, to change the operation gesture of the user, and to bring a better user experience to the user while reducing the occupied space," said Lenovo in their 20-page U.S. Patent and Trademark Office application submitted in December 2013, and published June 12, 2014, according to WRAL Tech Wire.
The gadget has a processing unit that the China-based tech manufacturer dubbed the first bone conducting unit. Along with visual applications, there is also a display module, optical system, and several other parts called guiding components for the device, which Lenovo attempted to patent in China two years ago.
To compete with other "Glass" product introductions like Lenovo's, Samsung's Galaxy Gear glass device will supplement the company's smartwatch and mirror Google's $1,500 technology when it's unveiled Sept. 5 at Berlin's IFC technology conference, according to Business Insider.
The Galaxy Gear's OLED screen allows consumers to take photos and answer phone calls hands-free. The device, a supplement to the company's Galaxy smartphone, also alerts users when they receive messages in their inbox.
"We rolled out the smartwatch first and have secured a considerable amount of smart glass-related technology and patents," said a company associate. "Following the rollout of our smart watch Galaxy Gear in September last year, we are slated to introduce our smart glass Gear Glass this September."
Meanwhile, Google Glass users can look for songs, review playlists and hear tunes in good quality while wearing the device. A recording capability allows consumers to capture video footage of their whereabouts by pushing a button on the device.
Google Glass also has a tennis game, and a balance game that tests users' ability to keep books level on their head.
