In 2005, inventor and futurist, Ray Kurzweil coined the term The Singularity, referencing the point at which technological progress will becomes so rapid and sophisticated it will transcend all human ability to comprehend it. According to his statistic driven predictions, this will be a time where humans and technology literally merge… where minds and bodies will regularly be augmented with genetic alterations, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence – the results of which will transform the human race into a super human one. So when will this all go down? According to Kurzweil’s 2005 book The Singularity Is Near – circa 2045, although some would argue his predictions are already coming true.

Recently, Google, in an attempt to make smart phone technology a more natural extension of the human body, has developed a somewhat revolutionary device – Glass – a headset/eyeglass combo that sets your hands and eyes free, all the while allowing you to text, ‘google’ information, take video and more, via a voice activated control system. Here is a bit on how it works…

So is this the new smart phone? Probably not just yet. For one, there are cancer concerns with having a radio frequency channeling device held to one part of the body for prolonged periods of time. Not to mention the fact that people are vain and at the moment these things look fairly geeky.

While Glass is not yet available for general purchase, Google recently wrapped up a “Glass Explorer” contest where the public could enter for the opportunity to buy the glasses for $1,500. The winners will be announced in mid March, so if you’ve not seen them already, be prepared to start spotting them on the street. According to Google, there will be additional opportunities to make Glass yours in the near future. So what do you think? Are smart phones on their way out? Personally, I’m holding out for the computer screen contact lens.

Images via Glass. Video via YouTube.