Google Glass Update Lets You Wink to Take Pictures

Google has released a new Google Glass Update, version XE12, which adds many new features to the product, including the ability to take pictures by simply winking.

This interesting feature lets users capture images on their Google Glass headset with the wink of an eye. The search giant says this feature is faster and more convenient than having to use a camera button or voice-activated controls. The feature also works when the unit's display is off.

However, Google also said in future it hopes to do more than just click pictures with this new wink feature.

"We're starting with pictures, but just think about what else is possible", the company said in Google+ post. "Imagine a day where you're riding in the back of a cab and you just wink at the meter to pay. You wink at a pair of shoes in a shop window and your size is shipped to your door. You wink at a cookbook recipe and the instructions appear right in front of you – hands-free, no mess, no fuss. Pretty cool, right?"

Users can turn the feature on by navigating to the Settings menu on their device.

iOS MyGlass app coming this week

Using Google Glass for iPhone and iPad users is also about to become much easier, with the MyGlass companion app appearing in the App Store briefly on Tuesday before being pulled again.

Announcing the new update, Google addressed the iOS app, saying:

"MyGlass for iOS is ready. MyGlass has almost all of the features of the Android app, but designed especially for Apple mobile devices. We'll be releasing it on the App Store later this week."

Google added that Glass users will have to install the XE12 update first before the iOS MyGlass app will work.

While the Wink-to-snap feature will hog most of the limelight, it is worth noting that there are a few other decent additions that come with this update:

• Lock Screen

In an attempt to make Glass even more secure, Google has added the ability to lock the screen. By using a secret handshake or swipes and gestures as passwords, users will be able to unlock their devices.

• Hangouts

A feature that many users have been wanting for a while, Google has now brought Hangouts messages to Glass. "Chatting with your best friend, messaging everyone from your ski trip at once, sending picture messages... all of it is now possible on Glass."

Users will have to enable the Hangouts Glassware and update their messaging preferences at MyGlass to avail of this functionality.

• Upload To YouTube

Users of Google Glass can now instantly share videos on YouTube. They can shoot a clip, either tap the video or swipe to the YouTube share card or simply say "ok glass, share with YouTube."

• Music

Google has now brought music into the mix. "Google Play Music All Access subscribers can pick between their playlists and radio, or try "I'm feeling lucky" to create a radio station based on previous listening history. In addition to using voice, you can also tap on "ok glass" and then "listen" to choose your favorite songs."