At this point, we already know that seemingly everyone in the tech world is making a smartwatch, but could the same kind of domino effect happen in the wearable glasses space? Google Glass has already caused quite the stir, and it's becoming extremely clear that Google won't be the only competitor in the field. Sony is joining the party, too.
A recently published patent surfaced on Sunday, showing that Sony is still moving forward with its plans to create a Google Glass-like device. The new patent was filed on Nov. 14, 2012, and if Sony pulls it off, it might actually end up being a formidable Google competitor.
Before we start accusing Sony of jumping onto the Google Glass bandwagon, it's helpful to note that, as TechCrunch points out, the Japanese company's first patent — filed during the summer of 2012 — actually conceives of a device that "has two lens, not connected by a traditional bridge, with each lens acting also serving as a display. There are cameras and battery packs and the works." In other words, Sony has one-upped Google's own invention by offering a screen on each lens instead of just one.
Fast forward to the patent filed in November, which still describes a two-display pair of glasses, now attached to traditional glasses frames and including small headphone buds for each ear. If nothing else, the new design indicates that Sony is continuing to move forward with its plans to take on Google Glass head-on.
Unfortunately, the Sony document doesn't detail anything at all about the kind of content the displays would be streaming to viewers. Whatever features Sony is planning to integrate with the device remain a mystery, but that's not too surprising, considering the state of the market right now. Earlier this month, LG also revealed plans to create something similar to Google Glass, but the confirmation of its existence was limited to a single line in the Korea Times. It looks like we've got some waiting to do before either of these products are detailed in any real capacity.
