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Camera Integration with Google Glass: Capture Images Using Android and Kotlin

#googleglass #kotlin #android #androiddev

Wearable devices like Google Glass make it possible to capture photos without touching the screen. Whether you're building field service software, healthcare applications, or warehouse solutions, camera integration is one of the most valuable features.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to integrate the camera into a Google Glass application using Kotlin.

Prerequisites

Before getting started, ensure you have:

  • Android Studio
  • Kotlin knowledge
  • Android SDK
  • Google Glass Enterprise device (or compatible smart glasses)
  • Camera permission enabled

Step 1: Create a New Android Project

Create a new Empty Activity project in Android Studio.

Choose:

  • Language: Kotlin
  • Minimum SDK: Based on your target Glass device

Step 2: Add Camera Permission

Open AndroidManifest.xml and add the required permission.

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CAMERA"/>

<application
    ...
</application>
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For Android 6.0+, you'll also need to request the permission at runtime.

Step 3: Launch the Camera

Google Glass supports the standard Android camera intent.

private val cameraLauncher =
    registerForActivityResult(ActivityResultContracts.TakePicturePreview()) { bitmap ->
        if (bitmap != null) {
            imageView.setImageBitmap(bitmap)
        }
    }

captureButton.setOnClickListener {
    cameraLauncher.launch(null)
}
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This launches the camera and returns a preview image.

Step 4: Display the Captured Image

Create a simple layout.

<ImageView
    android:id="@+id/imageView"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="250dp"
    android:scaleType="centerCrop"/>

<Button
    android:id="@+id/captureButton"
    android:layout_width="wrap_content"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    android:text="Capture"/>
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After capturing, display the image inside the ImageView.

Step 5: Save the Image

Store captured photos using MediaStore.

val filename = "glass_${System.currentTimeMillis()}.jpg"
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Saving images allows them to be uploaded later for inspections, documentation, or AI analysis.

Best Practices for Google Glass Camera Apps

  • Keep the UI minimal.
  • Prefer voice commands over touch controls.
  • Avoid blocking the main thread.
  • Compress large images before uploading.
  • Request only the permissions your app requires.
  • Optimize battery usage during continuous camera access.

Real-World Use Cases

Camera integration on Google Glass enables many enterprise applications:

  • 📦 Barcode and QR code scanning
  • 🏥 Medical documentation
  • 🔧 Equipment inspections
  • 🚚 Logistics and inventory management
  • 🛠 Remote maintenance assistance
  • 🤖 AI-powered object recognition

Performance Tips

Wearable devices have more limited hardware than smartphones.

To improve performance:

  • Resize images before processing.
  • Use background threads for image uploads.
  • Cache frequently accessed data.
  • Avoid unnecessary animations.
  • Release camera resources immediately after use.

Conclusion

Camera integration is one of the most powerful capabilities of Google Glass. With just a few Android APIs, you can build hands-free applications that capture images for inspections, healthcare, logistics, and industrial workflows.

Since Google Glass is based on Android, developers can leverage familiar Kotlin APIs while designing interfaces optimized for wearable devices. By combining camera features with AI, barcode scanning, or cloud services, you can create efficient enterprise solutions that improve productivity in the field.


SDK Flutter: https://github.com/v-modal/vmodal_sdk_flutter
SDK Android: https://github.com/v-modal/vmodal_sdk_android
Discord: https://discord.gg/K72z28KUx

android kotlin googleglass camera wearables mobiledevelopment

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