Google posts video explaining how Glass works

Since being announced in 2012, Google’s Glass smart eyewear has been generating plenty of buzz and interest.

The device is similar to a smartphone and lets users watch videos, send messages to friends, and even send tweets. Developers who purchased an early version of the device last summer for $1,500 have begun receiving Glass and one user has already said he will not live another day of his life without the device.

For the rest of the world that wants to know exactly how Glass works, Google uploaded a explainer video Tuesday. The video says the interface for Glass is controlled by a touchpad located on the right side of the glasses’ frames. The touchpad, which runs from users’ temples to their ears, can be tapped to turn on the device.

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In the video, a screen pops up when a person is shown tapping a touchpad. In reality, users see this screen within the tiny display located on the device, but the video shows a larger version of the display so that viewers can get an idea of how Glass works.

The interface is a row of cards, with the main card simply showing a clock. To the left are cards for things that are currently happening or are coming up. For example, that includes the weather, a scheduled event or an upcoming flight. To the right of the home screen are cards for items in the past, such as messages, pictures and videos.

Users can tap on the touchpad to see more for each card. At one point in the video, the users taps on a photo and shares it with one of her friends. Users can swipe downward to return to the row of cards or swipe down again to put Glass back on standby.

The video makes Glass seem pretty cool, but don’t expect to be able to buy Glass any time soon. Google’s Chairman Eric Schmidt said Glass probably won’t be released to the general public until 2014.

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