Wearable technology is the newest innovation expected to come down the pipeline to change the way people look at the world, in some cases that means literally. With Google testing its Google Glass to thousands of users, now it seems Microsoft plans to release a competing head-mounted display device in the future, according to a new patent.
Filed by Microsoft, according to IGN, the new patent suggests it is designed for multiplayer gaming applications, such as the ability to use voice commands or eye-tracking data to send a game invitation to another player who could then respond with his or her glasses. Its smart glasses will be equipped with and eye-tracking system, microphone, a depth camera capable of recognizing faces of other players.
While this may sound like its limiting to the device which would be only a stone's throw away from having all the same functionality as Google's augmented reality device, the patent does note that multiplayer gaming is the goal of the device, not the extent of it.
IGN notes that a patent Microsoft put out in the past for what we now know is the Xbox One included mentions of Fortaleza Glasses that could be what's seen in this patent. Those included support for WiFi, 4G and augmented reality features that could be used both with the Xbox One and away from it like the Google Glasses.
Still, even if the device does stay linked to the console, it will still be a revolutionary move in gaming. Users could accept requests or missions with a simply nod of their head. A multiplayer heads-up-display (HUD) could go right to a users glasses rather than the screen. This could eliminate your friend from knowing how much ammo you have in your clip before he or she launches an attack.
The patent, which dates back to August 2010, mentions a 2014 launch for the device. Assuming this document is real, Microsoft should be mentioning something about the glasses sometime soon. Perhaps when it discusses more about the Xbox One at Gamescon in Germany on August 20. Then again, it could just wait until the holiday season next year.
