How Google Glass could become a traveler's constant companion

Developers are hoping that the idea of hands-free, wireless smartwear technology will appeal to travelers: instead of carrying heavy travel guides and disorderly itineraries, globetrotters can ask Glass to book a table for two and pull up their flight details with a few simple voice commands and head movements.

On the heels of Google Glass sales opening in the US, travel app developers have been tripping over themselves releasing smartwear versions of their services for mobile globetrotters.

Google-Glass

Geolocating service Foursquare, travel organizing app TripIt and restaurant reservation service OpenTable, for instance, have all released ‘Glassware’ editions of their mobile apps for early adopters.

Glassware is the name coined for Google Glass apps.

Developers are hoping that the idea of hands-free, wireless smartwear technology will appeal to travelers: instead of carrying heavy travel guides and disorderly itineraries in their bags, globetrotters can ask Glass to book a table for two and pull up their flight details with a few simple voice commands and head movements.

For users of TripIt, the Glass technology will display travel itineraries ranging from real-time flight status notifications, check-in reminders, gate changes, car rental and hotel reservations -- a service that could come in handy when juggling carry-on and laptop bags.

For users of translation service Word Lens, that means translating signs and menus in real-time.

Google Glass hit the US market recently and retails for $1,500 USD (Rs 87,000 approx.).