Start Building Android Apps for Glass Eyewear, Google Encourages Developers

Google has a new challenge for app makers. It is asking them to start thinking about developing Android apps for Glass eyewear. But they have to do so without the Glass Development Kit, also known as GDK. Apparently, Google is still working on the official GDK, which is supposed to provide developers a better understanding of the requirements of the applications that can be incorporated into Glass technology.

Since Google announced that it was going to release its Glass reality eyewear, developers and consumers have been itching to get their hands on this new and futuristic piece of hardware. Many predict that wearables such as augmented technology eyewear are the next big thing and Google Glass is believed to be a piece of 21st century technology that people would definitely want to own.

Are you up to the challenge?

Google revealed its goals regarding the GDK during the I/O developer conference in July. However, there is still much work to be done and Google just made it clear that developers should not wait for the GDK to be finished before making applications for Glass. This futuristic eyewear could very well be the next big thing. But, with its limited functionality, inclusion of useful and compatible applications is quite necessary.

While waiting for the Glass experience

Since the release of the GDK is going to take time Google’s executives are calling out to developers to start brainstorming and creating possible apps for the Google Glass using the Android SDK (API Level 15).

Developers are free to initiate and plan their app designs for the Glass project by utilizing Android’s existing Software Development Kit (SDK). Android SDK might not provide the exact Glass experience, but it would allow the developers the opportunity to determine whether or not their ideas would work while the GDK is still unavailable.

Endless possibilities

Google Glass is more than just a piece of 21st century innovation. The technology has functionalities that provide a one-of-a kind experience in sending messages, filming videos, recording and practically sharing anything the human eye could see. Google Glass is still a work in progress and at this time, the possibilities are endless.

A sneak peek

Some Glass features that are already within the scope of the Android SDK are the media player and accelerometer. Google has made public sample apps like compass, level, and stopwatch for Glass. In the weeks to come, Google representatives are expected to release more. As revealed in a blog post by the Google developer relations team, as soon as the GDK is ready to roll, they are going to post new app samples.

Third-party Glass apps available now

Companies and developers have already initiated the release of third-party apps for Google Glass. Some joined forces with Google before the launching of the GDK while others used Google Mirror API dedicated to web-based Glassware. Glass owners may opt to acquire the New York Times app that pushes news alerts and updates. Social media applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Path are also among the third-party apps made available for Glass.