It seems that one way or another, hardly a day passes without Google being in the press. Just last week a Californian woman was arrested and now faces trial for wearing Google Glass while driving. As Google continues to steam ahead in the world of technology, some were left a little unclear about what Google Glass actually is and how it works.

Google Glass is a wearable, voice-controlled device that resembles a pair of eyeglasses and displays information directly in the user’s field of vision by projecting a small screen in the corner of a wearer’s eye. It offers an augmented reality experience by using visual, audio and location-based inputs to provide relevant information. For example, a user entering an airport could automatically receive flight status information. Users can also control the device manually through voice commands and a touchpad located on its frame.

Google Glass’s operating system is based on a version of Android, and it can run apps called Glassware that are optimised for the device. The glasses have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and a camera for taking photographs and videos. Developers are already developing apps to try to position themselves if the devices prove popular with consumers.

Google Glass is as yet unavailable for sale to the general public, although the company is testing the product with the help of thousands of “Explorers” who have been given early access to the technology. Google Glass is expected to become a major catalyst for what many believe to be the next big trend in mobile - wearable computing devices, with some predictions that 21 million units will be shifted annually by 2018.

Google Glass is expected to come to market later this year. Will it be a success? More than likely, yes. We’ll raise our glass to it!