As Google added a taste of iOS functionality to Glass, one analyst said the move is just the beginning of efforts to draw in Apple users to the computerized eyewear.
Google said Monday that its latest software update for Glass includes SMS for iPhone. That means Glass users, who also are iPhone or iPad users, will be able to receive text messages on their computerized eyeglasses.
The latest software update to Google Glass includes SMS for iPhone users. (Image: Google)
Users can read their texts but can't reply to them from Glass because of "some limitations with iOS," Google said. The company didn't specify what the problem is.
"Get started by going to your iPhone's Bluetooth settings and turning on "Show Notifications" for your paired Glass," Google's Glass team said on its Google+ page. "When you receive a new text message, it will appear as a notification on Glass."
The software update also includes a new Calendar feature for Glass that shows users their schedules on the left of the home screen, while enabling them to change times and locations, or even delete the event. Calendar Glassware also allows users to RSVP to events.
"This is a great move for Glass as it opens the door to the Apple install base," said Zeus Kerravala, an analyst with ZK Research. "While it's not feature parity with Android, some integration is better than none. Google is smart to get the loyal Apple folks using Glass and hooked on it early."
He added that he expects Google to add more iOS functionality to Glass, although the wearable device will always will be an Android-first product.
Google, which plans to push Glass into the enterprise, expanded its cadre of early testers or Explorers last week when it put prototypes of Glass up for sale or a day.
The company said it sold all of the pairs of Glass it had made available, but would not say how many pairs there were.
This article, Google Glass dips its toe into iOS pool, was originally published at Computerworld.com.
Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at @sgaudin, on Google+ or subscribe to Sharon's RSS feed. Her email address is sgaudin@computerworld.com.
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