Five alternatives to Google Glass

Google Glass, the wearable computer glasses with an optical head-mounted display, is one of

the coolest new pieces of tech in development. But if you’re not one of the lucky few invited

into the Glass Explorer program, here are alternatives.

By Jeff JedrasImage by Loic Le Meur

GlassUp

Italy is known for its designer shades, so Italian start up GlassUp is probably worth watching.

Contribute to its Indiegogo campaign and you can get one of its first augmented reality glasses

when it enters production next year.

Recon Jet

Want to keep it Canadian? Vancouver’s Recon Instruments will ship the Recon Jet in February.

The Android glasses have a dual core CPU, Bluetooth, WiFi, an HD camera and a high resolution

display. There’s even an altimeter if you find yourself off the ground.

Lumus

Unlike some augmented displays, Lumus uses both sides of the glasses for the display. You can

watch TV, check your e-mail, and look up information on the Web. Just remember to watch

where you’re going. It also promises to be lighter than its competitors.

Epiphany Eyewear

From Vergence Labs, Epiphany Eyewear is among the more stylish Google Glass alternatives out

there. One big caveat: there’s no display. There is an HD camera to record video, onboard

storage, and the ability to stream what you’re seeing out to the world via your smartphone.

Telepathy

Developed by a Japanese start up, Telepathy also offers a sleek and stylish design, as well as a

camera and a projection display unit designed to promote social interaction. App developers

are being encouraged to create apps for users, and a U.S. office has been opened.