Google has seemingly skipped right over XE 19, tonight pushing the XE 19.1 update to Google Glass users. The latest version of the Glass software features a redesigned voice menu as well as much more reliable connectivity. For moving up an entire version number, this actually looks to be a relatively minor update.
An iMessage sent to Glass
Google announced today that it’s about to bring SMS for iPhone and a new Calendar Glassware to Google Glass users following an update to KitKat and the introduction of new features earlier this month. First up, iPhone users will now be able to receive text messages on Glass but, as Google points out, they “won’t be able to reply from Glass due to some limitations with iOS.” The support for SMS is a feature that Glass users have long had access to when paired to an Android device.
SMS for iPhone – iOS fans, by popular demand you can now get texts from your friends on Glass. Get started by going to your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings and turning on “Show Notifications” for your paired Glass. When you receive a new text message, it will appear as a notification on Glass. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to reply from Glass due to some limitations with iOS. (Android fans, don’t feel left out – you’ve got SMS on Glass already.
You’ll begin receiving notifications as long as the “Show Notifications” option for your paired Glass is selected from Bluetooth settings. Google also announced today that it will release Calendar Glassware available in the MyGlass tab:
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Google has released KitKat for Glass, following the announcement of the update yesterday. Included in this update are various tweaks to improve battery life and performance, as well as various new features. Notably, Google removed video calls in this update, though other additions to Hangouts were made, such as the ability to send photos.
The KitKat update — known as XE 16 — requires XE 12.1 to be installed, so you’ll have to install both to get the sweet KitKat features. The update rolls out even as Google today offered Glass to anyone interested in shelling out $1,500.
The consumer version of Glass is expected to be released later this year, and the KitKat update is a major step towards bringing the platform in line with Google’s Android efforts. Further announcements are expected at Google I/O 2014.
