It has not yet announced when it expects the technology to be commercially available.
In a blog post released last week, Juston Payne, Group Project Manager said, "Testing only in a lab environment has its limitations. So starting next month, we plan to test AR prototypes in the real world," adding, "We’ll begin small-scale testing in public settings with AR prototypes worn by a few dozen Googlers and select trusted testers. These prototypes will include in-lens displays, microphones and cameras."
The smart glasses don't support photography or videography, though Payne said they do have the capability to analyse real-world imagery such as food menus or directional signage. This is part of a wider push by Google to break down language barriers using augmented reality interfaces that feature real time translation and transcription.
All initial testing will be conducted in the US, and Google has placed strict limitations on the nature of this public testing. These limitations include prohibitions on the handling of motor vehicles, heavy machinery and during exercise. Unlike Google Glass, the AR Smart Glasses are designed with assistance in mind, not entertainment.
"Augmented reality (AR) is opening up new ways to interact with the world around us. It can help us quickly and easily access the information we need — like understanding another language or knowing how best to get from point A to point B," said Payne.