Brin Offers Close-Up View of Google's Project Glass

The details, features, and possible uses of the experimental device known as have been parsed over and examined in exhaustive detail by observers. But until now analysis of the device has been limited to far away images, ambitious concept videos, and testimonials from Google staffers. This week Google co-founder Sergey Brin finally let the world get a better look at the how the device works, and even allowed a non-Googler to try them on.

The close-up demonstration of the device occurred on the Current network talk show hosted by Gavin Newsom, the former mayor of San Francisco and current lieutenant governor of California. Joined by his wife, Anne Wojcicki, the co-founder of genetic testing company 23andMe, Brin gave us our first opportunity to see what a non-Google staffer thought of actually wearing the computerized glasses. Looking at a photo that had just been taken of him with the glasses, Newsom called the display "fascinating… amazing…" as Brin operated the device's controls for him.

During the short clip, Brin also gave us the closest look yet at how the glasses are controlled—by a smooth, featureless touch pad on the arm of the glasses. And, if you look closely, you can even see the device's tiny camera, which houses the flickering light of the actual display. Although Brin , upon closer inspection the product already looks pretty slick as is.

Describing the that developed Project Glass as "advanced skunkworks" and now his primary focus at the company, Brin said the device has been in development for a couple of years. Interestingly, Brin even offered fans of the device hope by discussing its release date.

"I have some hopes to maybe get it out sometime next year, but that's still a little bit of a hope," he said.

The full interview with Brin and Wojcicki will air on Friday, but the Google Glass segment is below.