The contact lenses of today are designed to help us see. But the contact lenses of tomorrow might have a whole different purpose, according to the brilliant brains at Google.
In April of this year, the tech giant unveiled its plans for Project Glass, an augmented reality head-mounted display, or HMD. Worn like glasses, this advanced headpiece serves as a hands-free smartphone, offering the wearer a variety of voice-activated features ranging from maps and directions to camera functions. But can this same technology be used to create smart contact lenses? The answer is yes.
While the first prototype of Project Glass will be worn like glasses, the technology has the potential to be used in contact lenses, according to Google product lead Steve Lee. In a published report, Lee confirmed that it is possible, although it’s a “long-term thing.”
Google isn’t the only one thinking about developing advanced contact lenses. Microsoft has been working on developing contact lenses with a glucose monitor and radio transmitter designed to help people with diabetes better manage their health.
So when can we expect to see these glasses on the market? Very soon. Google hopes to make the technology available in 2013, although the first pair of glasses might not have all of the features first advertised in Google’s video promotion of the product. Once on the market, Project Glass can be yours for around $1,500.
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