Sony’s bulky new Google Glass competitor is looking for developers

With the exception of its highly successful PlayStation 4, many of Sony’s consumer electronic brands have been struggling lately. So it came as a bit of a surprise when the company revealed development plans for its own smart eyewear. Referred to as SmartEyeglass, it almost looks like a leftover set of 3D glasses from Sony’s Bravia TV division, but instead it’s the company’s answer to Google Glass.

Compatible with devices running Android 4.1 or higher, Sony’s high-tech eyewear features a 3-megapixel camera, microphones, an accelerometer, gyroscope, electronic compass and a brightness sensor. While Google Glass is capable of running apps natively, Sony’s new specs will use smartphone applications via Bluetooth and WiFi. Still considered a prototype, SmartEyeglass’ SDK preview is now available today, with some limitations. Hopefully Sony’s bulky smart glasses will be pared down a bit by the time it reaches consumers.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYPWaMsarss]