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| Google Glass update lets users wink and take photos | Google Glass update lets users wink and take photos |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Google has introduced a new feature to its Google Glass, which allows users to take a photo with a "wink of the eye". | Google has introduced a new feature to its Google Glass, which allows users to take a photo with a "wink of the eye". |
| Google said the feature was faster than the camera button or the voice action and works even when the display is off. | Google said the feature was faster than the camera button or the voice action and works even when the display is off. |
| The update to Google Glass, dubbed version XE12, also adds a screen lock feature and the ability to upload and share videos on YouTube. | The update to Google Glass, dubbed version XE12, also adds a screen lock feature and the ability to upload and share videos on YouTube. |
| Technology firms have been keen to capture the wearable gadgets market, seen by many as a key growth area. | Technology firms have been keen to capture the wearable gadgets market, seen by many as a key growth area. |
| Google said the wink feature in its Glass could have various other uses in the future. | |
| "Imagine a day where you're riding in the back of a cab and you just wink at the meter to pay," the firm said in a blogpost. | |
| "You wink at a pair of shoes in a shop window and your size is shipped to your door. You wink at a cookbook recipe and the instructions appear right in front of you - hands-free, no mess, no fuss," it added. | |
| Potential growth | |
| The wearable technology market is expected to see robust growth in the coming years. | |
| However, analysts differ over the potential size of the market. | |
| According to Juniper Research, the sector is expected to have annual sales of $19bn (£11.9bn) by 2018, up from $1.4bn this year. | |
| Analysts at the bank Credit Suisse have been more upbeat and have suggested a figure of $50bn figure by the same date. | |
| Research firm Gartner has been more cautious about its predictions. It has said it expects $10bn sales for 2016. But one of its analysts suggested the sector would grow more quickly if businesses decided to equip their workers with such tech. | |
| Growing competition | |
| Google Glass is one of a number of wearable gadgets that have been launched by firms as they compete to take a a major share of the growing market. | |
| In October, Nike launched its second generation wristband, Fuelband, which helps users track their physical activity. | |
| In September, Samsung unveiled a smartwatch, Galaxy Gear, that can be used for voice calls and run apps. | |
| Also in September, Japanese mobile operator NTT Docomo, demonstrated glasses that can translate a menu by projecting an image of translated text over unfamiliar characters. | |
| Earlier this year, US-based Heapsylon said it was developing sensor-equipped socks that would help their owners monitor their balance while walking or running. | |
| Meanwhile, Chinese firm Shanda, has unveiled the Geak Ring - a finger-worn device that can unlock a user's smartphone or pass data to others. |