Google created a circular device with a built-in microphone and Bluetooth that connects to a smartphone inspired by the "Star Trek" communicator.
All "Star Trek" fans know that the pins on the uniform of the characters are communicators and not merely there for decoration. In the television series, once the pin is pressed, it enables them to communicate to other members of the crew. This device might seem revolutionary to create back in the day but the capability to create this kind of device is quite possible, as reported by Ubergizmo.
Search giant Google created a prototype wearable device that has a built-in microphone and Bluetooth that connects to a smartphone. In an interview with Amit Singhal, senior vice president and software engineer at Google, explained that it is meant to test users on how to interact with voice search in new ways.
"I always wanted that pin, you ask it anything and it works. That's why we were like, 'Let's go prototype that and see how it feels," Singhal said.
The prototype is worn on the chest and can be activated with a light tap. The Google pin outputs sound through an onboard speaker or headphones. This invention is designed for people to access Google in a more convenient way, without having to get their phones out their pockets.
Google is looking for ways to redefine ways to access information through voice search. The device is at the testing phase but the company is willing to do advance its research. Aside from Google, other tech giants like Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft are also aiming to develop similar service.
Time reported that Google engineers have been obsessed with Star Trek for a long time now. The company executives frequently brings up the "Star Trek" computer in interviews. The long-running television series is sometimes used as a reference by Google users in discussing upcoming product features in product meetings.
The gadget will surely interest many users. Unfortunately, after various tests the device will remain a prototype, but it only shows how far Google will go just to find a unique and natural way to search. Let's see how the company will use this concept to make their way to the future.