Cracking Open the Google Glass Explorer Edition

Google Glass Explorer Edition Teardown

\n\tGoogle Glass has generated more buzz than any tech product since perhaps the iPhone or iPad. As such, I couldn’t wait to crack open this wearable computer. Unfortunately, Glass’ sturdy construction makes it nearly impossible to disassemble without damaging the device.

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\n\tFor a detailed analysis of the teardown, check out my article and video, Google Glass teardown reveals hits and misses on repairability.

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\n\tPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
\n\tCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Box

As of this publication, Google hasn’t announced an official launch date for Glass. The company is shipping ten thousand Explorer Edition units to developers, beta testers, and winners of Google’s “If I Had Glass” contest. These early test units cost $1,500 (US). Google hasn’t indicated what Glass’ retail price will be.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Opening the box

\n\tGoogle has provided relatively little information about the hardware inside Glass. According to the company, Glass has a 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth, 16GB storage (12GB are available to the user), Micro USB port, and a bone conduction transducer for audio.

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\n\tThere are also published reports of a developer using an Android debugging utility to pull information on the CPU and RAM from the device’s OS. If his information is accurate, Glass has a Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 processor and 1GB of RAM. Given additional reports, it’s also likely that Glass has a gyroscope, accelerometer, and ambient light sensor.

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\n\tPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
\n\tCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Box contents

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Front

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Left

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Right

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Eyepiece rotated inward

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Eyepiece rotated outward

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Interior surfaces

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Main module

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: On/Off button

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Rear module and Listen button

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Capture button

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Eyepiece

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Eyepiece rear-facing sensor array

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Micro USB connector

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Eyepiece prism

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Eyepiece reflective coating

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Torx T5 frame screw

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Removing the frame screw

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Frame separated from main module

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Frame removed

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Titanium frame and nose piece

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Assembled in California marking

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Possible production date - 03/19/13

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Main and rear modules without frame

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Connection between main and rear modules

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Frame contact

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: FCC ID markings

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Capture button contact and frame screw

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Removing the eyepiece's plastic cover

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Inside the eyepiece

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Eyepiece plastic cover - exterior

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Eyepiece plastic cover - interior

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: 5MP camera

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Camera is glued in place

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Eyepiece - Back

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Eyepiece - Top

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Rear-facing sensor array

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Eyepiece bottom

Cracking Open Google Glass Explorer Edition: Disassembled