Google Play Music is the latest app to be added to the list of those compatible with Google Glass, and is ready to download from the MyGlass website or through the official Glass application. Its official release follows Google’s early November confirmation that Glass would be getting a, “Listen to” voice command, which would work with Play Music.
After uttering, “OK Glass, listen to,” you can add the name of a song, album, artist or playlist. Glass then takes a look through your Google Music account, including the subscription-based All Access area, and plays your choice. Of course, everyone around you will know what you’re about to play, as you’ll have publicly announced it. Fine if you have socially acceptable music taste, not so good if you don’t.
According to AndroidPolice.com, Glass displays a card with all the usual track details, and there’s a set of music controls accessible with a tap. Your chosen music continues to play even while doing other things, and handily, playback is paused when you say “OK Glass” while on the standard clock screen. Taking off your specs will also pause the music.
So, you’re keen to add Google Play Music to Glass, but would prefer to listen using a decent pair of stereo headphones. Google has come to the rescue, as it has added a specially designed pair to its Glass accessory store. Like the newly released mono earbud, they connect to Glass using a micro-USB, but this time you get two earbuds with differing lengths of cord. Good news, but they’re priced at $85, which sounds quite expensive. However, as Glass is $1500 on its own, what’s another $85?
If the price of the earbuds hasn’t put you off, then one other drawback of Google Play Music on Glass may do, as the screen stays illuminated while music is playing, so the already strained battery life takes a double hit. If you don’t care, then both the Play Music app and the custom earbuds are available right now.