Android By Russell Holly Jan. 2, 2014 11:58 am
One of the biggest issues with Google Glass if you already wear prescription lenses is about to be resolved thanks to Rochester Optical and Google.
When Google Glass was originally announced, we were told that there would be a solution at some point for users who already wear glasses. Some users went in search of their own solutions, while other waited patiently for Google to deliver. Since that point, we’ve seen a few concepts leak out of Mountain view that help show the progress they have made.
At one point, it looked almost as though 3D-printed frames would be an option at some point, but the concept slimmed down and revealed that a new version of Google Glass would be needed. This version would make it easier to replace the titanium nose bridge with a frame that could have prescription lenses mounted on them, but it looks like Rochester Optical has something else in mind.
While Google’s frame replacement prototype looks promising, it would involve removing the band that is already there and replacing it altogether. This band is already custom fitted to the face of the wearer in order for Glass to sit properly, so why not just make something that clips in like the sunglasses and the wind shield that originally came with Glass? Apparently that is what Rochester Optical has in mind, and they will be using this same design to release a series of styles that users will be able to just place proscription lenses into. There are no photos of the designs yet, but Rochester’s Tim Moore briefly explained that there will be several options available.
We can expect to hear more on availability just after CES, but it looks like these frames are going to start at $99. This is likely to be significantly less expensive than Google’s replacement frames, especially given the current pricing for their Glass accessories. As more and more users become part of the Explorer program, these third party accessories will continue to be a popular alternative to Google’s offerings. Alternatively, these clip in frames could turn out to be less than attractive and it will cause users to flock to Google for the real deal. Only time will tell, but at least users with prescription eyeware are finally getting to enjoy Glass.
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When Google Glass was originally announced, we were told that there would be a solution at some point for users who already wear glasses. Some users went in search of their own solutions, while other waited patiently for Google to deliver. Since that point, we’ve seen a few concepts leak out of Mountain view that help show the progress they have made.
At one point, it looked almost as though 3D-printed frames would be an option at some point, but the concept slimmed down and revealed that a new version of Google Glass would be needed. This version would make it easier to replace the titanium nose bridge with a frame that could have prescription lenses mounted on them, but it looks like Rochester Optical has something else in mind.
While Google’s frame replacement prototype looks promising, it would involve removing the band that is already there and replacing it altogether. This band is already custom fitted to the face of the wearer in order for Glass to sit properly, so why not just make something that clips in like the sunglasses and the wind shield that originally came with Glass? Apparently that is what Rochester Optical has in mind, and they will be using this same design to release a series of styles that users will be able to just place proscription lenses into. There are no photos of the designs yet, but Rochester’s Tim Moore briefly explained that there will be several options available.
We can expect to hear more on availability just after CES, but it looks like these frames are going to start at $99. This is likely to be significantly less expensive than Google’s replacement frames, especially given the current pricing for their Glass accessories. As more and more users become part of the Explorer program, these third party accessories will continue to be a popular alternative to Google’s offerings. Alternatively, these clip in frames could turn out to be less than attractive and it will cause users to flock to Google for the real deal. Only time will tell, but at least users with prescription eyeware are finally getting to enjoy Glass.
More...
