Google Glass for Consumers in 2014, Says Sergey Brin

Consumers may be able to get their Augmented Reality on in 2014.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin said this week during Google I/O 2012 that the upcoming Google Glass headset -- a cool set of Augmented Reality specs -- should be available to consumers by 2014. The actual release will depend on feedback by developers who will gain access to the specs -- AKA the Explorer Edition -- in early 2013 for a hefty $1,500.

During the show, the Google Glass demonstration included skydivers that were wearing the specs on the way down, transmitting live coverage to the conference. The Google X lab is the team responsible for the amazing technology, he said, and is just one of many projects currently in the works including self-driving cars.

"With Google X, I’m not really thinking about any sort of existing products or things to compare it to," Brin said. "Google X is about brand new risky technological things that are sort of making science fiction real."

Google released the first video taken from Google Glass last month, a short clip showing someone doing backflips on a trampoline. It was presented by software engineer Max Braun at the Google+ Photographer's Conference in San Francisco, showing that the specs had evolved from merely taking photos to actual video coverage.

Google originally revealed Project Glass back in April. Most of what we've seen thus far have been images taken by Brin in several locations and scenarios including walking down a city alleyway, taking a jog, strolling in the rain and so on.

The specs supposedly project augmented reality images into the wearer's field of vision, and perform tasks that can be done with a smartphone. These tasks include sending emails, checking the calendar, and getting an update on the weather -- all of which is projected right in front of the user's eyes. Information is controlled by using gesture and voice controls.

Costing developers a hefty $1,500 next year, it will be interesting to see what consumers will be required to shell out for Google Glass in 2014. What will likely happen is that Google will sell the specs outright through Google Play, unlocked and at full price. But given the tech's need for a wireless connection, providers like AT&T and Verizon will likely offer a reduced price with a two-year agreement.