Google Glass is a Promising Innovation

Putting the Internet right before your eyes
充滿前景的創新發明：谷歌眼鏡 - 把網路直接連到眼前.

With the arrival of smartphones, our computers moved from our desktops into our pockets. Now, tech giant Google is betting that people will warm up to the idea of wearing computers on their faces in the form of Internet-connected eyewear. This new device, called Glass, looks like a pair of sunglasses from a science-fiction movie, minus the lenses.

The computer that powers Glass is built into the arm of the glasses frame, which also contains a touch pad, microphone and front-facing camera. Glass connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi or to the user's smartphone by means of a Bluetooth link.

Users view Glass's display by glancing up at a small prism in the upper right corner of their field of vision. The prism displays the user's timeline, which appears as a row of cards featuring such things as current time, calendar appointments or email notifications.

Users communicate with Glass by using voice commands or by tapping the touch pad. All voice commands begin with the phrases "OK, Glass" followed by specific instructions such as "Take a picture," or "Get directions to Gino's Pizza," Thanks to the use of bone conduction, users can hear Glass giving turn-by-turn directions or reading emails to them.

Where Glass began
Glass originated as a special project at Google X, Google's top-secret research lab. The first prototype for Glass was a 10-pound, head-mounted display. Later versions looked like swimming goggles with cellphones connected to them. The current version is a slim visor that weighs about the same as a pair of sunglasses.

First impressions
The first group of Glass testers, called Explorers, shared their experiences with Google this past spring. Several users enjoyed using Glass to take hands-free pictures and hear turn-by-turn directions while walking.
Negative experiences included low battery life and the awkward feeling of talking to Glass in public.

Major concerns
Despite the hype surrounding Glass, many are worried that the device's video recording function could endanger privacy. In response, a handful of U.S. lawmakers requested Google CEO Larry Page to disclose how Google will add privacy protection functions to Glass. Supporter of Glass respond by saying that Glass can't do anything beyond what smartphones can already do.

Glass will become available to the public sometime later this year or next. Then users can decide whether Glass is a potential spying device or an innovative tool for connecting with others and the Internet.

Language Gym:
"Supporters of Glass respond by saying that Glass can't do anything beyond what smartphones can already do."
"can't do anything beyond....."
This hotel isn't any better than the last one; it doesn't provide any free services beyond what the previous hotel can provide.
It's useless asking the nurse about the test result; she doesn't know anything beyond what we already know.

Vocabulary Tips:
innovation - discover new things include invention 发明, someone out there with great idea of something.改革，创新，（不可数n) ‘nova'-‘新’的意思，
*The microwave was an innovation that changed the way people prepare food.
*We provide a working environment that promotes creativity and innovation.
warm up to something or someone - slowly to get used to or knowing something or someone to team up or work together. 开始熟悉，熟络，对某对象开始喜欢或接受。
*After a couple of days at the camp, the kids warmed up to each other.
*Many people have warmed up to the idea of shopping online, but some still can't accept it.
field of vision - the area that your eye able to see it. 视野，视力能及的范围。
*A rabbit hopped into the hunter's field of vision.
*Our field of vision was blocked by the tall guy in front of us.
*Traveling can widen one's field of vision.扩大。。视野，眼界。
notification -notify. give you some information. 正式通知，正式发布。。
* Theo received a written notification that his application was accepted.
notify (v) - 通知。
*Henry was notified that he needed to report to his superior at the base.
origin -begining. 起源。
originate -originated 源自，来自。, begin, start at.
*This disease originated in Africa, but it soon spread to other countries.
originated with - 来自某人的想法。
*The idea of the movie didn't originate with the writer, but with the producer.
visor - a piece of covering material, cap. 护目镜，汽车的遮阳板。'vis' -视觉。
*The motorcycle rider raised the visor of his helmet while he stopped at the red light.
*I put down the visor because the sunlight was too bright.
hype - most popular, a trend, people excited about, getting people talk it about and interested it. 高兴致，大肆宣传，报道，天花乱坠。（不可数n）.
*The pop star created a media hype while touring in Asia. 媒体大肆宣传炒作。
*A lot of viewers went to see the movie because of the hype.
disclose -make the information to public. 'dis' -不，有否定之意。,  'close' - 封闭
*The agent disclosed to the press the signing of the pitcher's new contract.
*The police refused to disclose the details of the case.
wrap up - make it end, cover with.
warm up - take time to get use to.
prism - small area from light.
turn-by-turn direction : tell you turn right, then turn left, go straight, then turn left and turn right... give a direction step by step.
can't do more than smartphone can do - nothing more than smartphone can do.

Language Tips:
mail / letter : 信件。
mail - 邮件，不可数n.字尾不能加 's'， 复数要用(pieces)。
I received seven pieces of mail today.
email （可数n., 字尾可加's' )-电子邮件。
I have 45 emails.
email message -
I have 45 email messages = I have 45 emails.
seven pieces of mail.
seven letters.
mail is included bills, statement, letter and junk mail.
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the public 公众，大众/ public :  公开。
The public is not allowed in. (American) 动词用单数。
The public are not allowed in. (English) 动词用复数
in public -在公众场所。
the awkward feeling of talking to Glass in public.



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