Google releases kernel GPL source for Glass

Google is attempting to get developers to start developing for Glass as soon as possible. The company has released the kernel GPL source for Glass so that developers can start tinkering with it. This comes fresh after Cydia founder Jay Freeman gained root access on his unit of Google Glass. Freeman relied on a well-known exploit from Android 4.0.4 to take control of the OS.

Imagine headbutting someone to share files

Earlier this month, Google had revealed the specifications of Glass. The company states that the display on Glass is comparable to watching a 25-inch HD screen from eight feet away. It sports a 5 megapixel camera that is capable of recording videos at 720p. On the connectivity front, it has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Not much information on the battery is given, though Google has mentioned that the battery will last for a full day of typical usage. It is worth noting however that Hangouts and recording videos will drain the battery faster.

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It will be compatible with any Bluetooth-capable smartphone, as well as with those running the MyGlass companion app which is available on Google Play.

The app itself needs a device to run on at least Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich. The interface of the app is reminiscent of Google Now with its card-based interface. At the moment, the app can't be downloaded outside of the US, since Glass hasn't been officially launched yet.

The app's functionality can be seen through the screenshots. You can set up your Google+ account for Glass, as well as Gmail. You can even add contacts to the app for quick access.

You can also set up Glass on a website by connecting it to your Google account. The website's interface is a lot like the app, since it uses the same card-based interface that Google loves.

Google has also released a developer preview for the Mirror API. You can get the API from here and start developing apps for the Glass ecosystem.

Google's Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt had revealed earlier that Glass won't be available to the general public until 2014.  He stated that the company will be using feedback it gets from developers using the device to further refine and fine-tune Glass for consumers, and this could take around a year.

The host asked Schmidt, "how soon is [Google Glass] likely to come onto the market?" He repled, "there will be thousands of [Google Glass] in use by developers over the next months, and then based on their feedback, we'll make some product changes, and it's probably a year-ish away."