The technology's latest update allows for XE9 users to accept an Internet connection, eliminating the need for tethering. September 16, 2013 5:35 AM PDT Google co-founder Sergey Brin. (Credit: James Martin/CNET) Google Glass now makes it a little easier for wearers to transmit data. Discovered over the weekend by Google Glass user Nick Starr and subsequently confirmed by several test users, the search company's eyeglasses can allow for data sharing without the need for a tethering connection to a smartphone. According to reports, the option was added in the latest update and requires the XE9 companion app to work. Related stories Pucker up for 'The Kiss,' a film shot with Google Glass MyGlass app lets you control Google Glass via your phone Sprint CEO Dan Hesse, fan of Glass, wants more wearables Google Glass could be a $3B-per-year cash cow Google plans to launch app store for Google Glass next year Google Glass required a tethering plan in order for users to transmit data to and from the eyewear. With the update and XE9, however, Starr says that he was able to turn off his tethering and still transmit data. That Google might have dropped the tethering requirement is important for users. Previously, they needed to pay a fee to some carriers to tether the device with their smartphones and share data. That's no longer required, according to Starr. However, one commenter on Starr's posting says that while the feature worked for a time for them, it stopped, requiring them to turn tethering back on. CNET has contacted Google for comment. We will update this story when we have more information.
The technology's latest update allows for XE9 users to accept an Internet connection, eliminating the need for tethering.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET)
Google Glass now makes it a little easier for wearers to transmit data.
Discovered over the weekend by Google Glass user Nick Starr and subsequently confirmed by several test users, the search company's eyeglasses can allow for data sharing without the need for a tethering connection to a smartphone. According to reports, the option was added in the latest update and requires the XE9 companion app to work.
Related stories
- Pucker up for 'The Kiss,' a film shot with Google Glass
- MyGlass app lets you control Google Glass via your phone
- Sprint CEO Dan Hesse, fan of Glass, wants more wearables
- Google Glass could be a $3B-per-year cash cow
- Google plans to launch app store for Google Glass next year
Google Glass required a tethering plan in order for users to transmit data to and from the eyewear. With the update and XE9, however, Starr says that he was able to turn off his tethering and still transmit data.
That Google might have dropped the tethering requirement is important for users. Previously, they needed to pay a fee to some carriers to tether the device with their smartphones and share data. That's no longer required, according to Starr.
However, one commenter on Starr's posting says that while the feature worked for a time for them, it stopped, requiring them to turn tethering back on.
CNET has contacted Google for comment. We will update this story when we have more information.
