If you see a Google Glass owner waving their head around like they’re at a rock concert, they may be browsing the web.
In an update announced today, Google says that Glass will be getting new voice commands, and the ability to browse the web.
“Now with Glass you can get things done without having to lift a finger,” the company writes in an update. “Let’s say your friend texts you. You can now say ‘ok glass, read aloud’ to hear it and answer with ‘ok glass, reply.’ Mom calling? Just say ‘ok glass, answer call.'”
To browse, users first have to search for a site and then choose “view website.” They can then scroll down by running one finger along the touchpad and zoom in and out by using two fingers on the touchpad. If they want to move their view in a direction other than down, they place two fingers on the touchpad, and move their head around to move the view.
While web browsing sounds cool, I can’t imagine that it is a good experience browsing a web page that isn’t designed for Glass. You’re relying on a single touchpad on the side of your face to control movement and zoom, after all. But there may be hope for a Glass-tailored browsing experience.
Back in the early days of the iPhone, it was important that mobile Safari was able to view full web pages. And while that same capability remains handy, more and more sites are building solutions so smartphones have a better browsing experience. If Glass catches on (and that’s a big if) I’d imagine that major websites will work on being responsive to the hardware’s needs.
If you’re the sort of person who likes poring over release notes, check them out here.
Previously on GeekWire: New Google Glass video shows why search is the killer app on the high-tech specs
