The eyes have it with Google Glass at Yale

NEW HAVEN >> Inside the huddle. Taking a snap from under center. Throwing a deep pass or scrambling for a long run.



Ever wonder what it’s like through the eyes of a quarterback? Well, Yale and the New Haven-based digital first creative agency Digital Surgeons made that happen Tuesday.



In the closing stages of Yale’s football practice, Bulldogs senior Henry Furman wore Google Glass to capture the game through the eyes of a quarterback — literally.



Yale Football | Project Glass from Digital Surgeons on Vimeo.



Google Glass is essentially a wearable, voice-activated computer that fits around one’s head like a pair of glasses. It records video, takes pictures, browses the internet, connects to a cell phone and more. Google gave out just 8,000 pairs as part of its Google Glass Explorer program, and Digital Surgeons were one of the recipients.



“It’s a great thing for the kids to see and to be part of something like that,” Yale coach Tony Reno said. “And it’s a great opportunity for the football program. There are only 8,000 in the world.”



David Salinas and Alex Forman of Digital Surgeons connected with Yale athletics director of marketing and licensing Pat O’Neill. They brainstormed ways to use Google Glass through Yale athletics and came up with Tuesday’s idea with hope it’s the first of many like it.



“We thought how cool would it be to do a Google Hangout and bring the fans into the game,” Salinas said. “Google said explore and that’s what we’re here to do. We think it’s the perfect pair for Yale’s culture, intelligence and athletics.”



The cost for the Google Glass is $1,500 a pair. They are expected to be released to the public some time next year.



Arnold Gold — The Register Yale University quarterback Henry Furman throws a pass while wearing Google Glass during practice on Tuesday. Arnold Gold — The Register Yale University quarterback Henry Furman throws a pass while wearing Google Glass during practice on Tuesday. Photo: Journal Register Co. Photo: Journal Register Co. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close The eyes have it with Google Glass at Yale 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

There has been the use of helmet cams in sports in the past. Google Glass certainly offers a different perspective. Can this technology change the viewing of sports in the future? What is a slam dunk through the eyes of Lebron James like? Or first-hand look at a Matt Harvey fastball?



It’s a possibility, perhaps.

For now, Yale and Digital Surgeons offered a taste.



“I would’ve liked it more if the open receivers would’ve lit up or something like that,” said Furman with a laugh. “But, no, it was pretty cool.”

