Story: Sarah Harlan
Google has out done itself once again with its latest technology device, Google Glass. The glasses are worn like a regular pair of prescription glasses with the capabilities to display real-time information in front of the wearer’s eyes. Headsets come in an array of colors, frame shapes and ear buds to fit any lifestyle. This piece of wearable technology is simple to use and lightweight. For example, the wearer can take pictures, translate words into another language, tell time, record video, post content to social media sites and give directions and facts, all through voice command. Basically, the device can be used to record and share things through a first person point of view.
Google Glass has not yet hit the market for the general public, but customers can sign up through the Google Glass Explorer Program to be granted permission to buy the glasses, which cost $1,500. Here at the College of Media & Communication, Web Design Specialist Andrew Byrne was granted permission to buy a pair, funded by the college. This has given students the opportunity to learn more about the device and its potential to take marketing to a new level.
“There is a lot of research potential, social media potential, classroom learning opportunities, and even hands-on experience that we can provide to students using Google Glass,” Byrne said.
The main question the glasses raise is, “how will it impact our everyday lives?” People are concerned with potential privacy invasion issues the glasses pose. For example, a person wearing the glasses could look around a café and take a picture or post a video without permission from those people. Some also wonder about how much Google is actually seeing as individuals wear these glasses throughout their daily activities. Google is taking these concerns very seriously by creating policies to prevent such issues. Other threats the glasses pose are a shortened attention span, which can cause trouble in relationships due to dependency on smart devices, and the dangers of wearing the glasses while driving.
However, an advantage to utilizing this new device is the ability to access information immediately. From a research perspective, Google Glass offers an incredible opportunity to improve the current knowledge and practice of marketing. The glasses are a remarkable innovation, which can create organic content to be posted on social media channels or websites. Another advantage is the amount of applications that can be uploaded. Some applications available include music players and even a homework application in which users can downloaded their syllabi to and simply ask, “Ok Glass, what’s due?” Also, for frequent travelers there is an application that can translate foreign languages. For instance, if you’re looking at a sign you can say, “Ok Glass, translate this,” and the words will pop up on your Glass translated into your home language. The applications are endless and most are free or low in price.
“I think Google Glass will help keep social media relevant, with that immediacy factor,” Byrne said. “Right now you can take a photo, send a text, send an email, and all of those can be posted through Facebook and Twitter.”
Whether the glasses will become a huge success in our society is still undetermined. The device is still in the early prototype phase and has great potential, but the privacy factor and price need to be addressed before the device becomes mainstream. But one thing is for sure; Google Glass is pioneering the way for wearable technology. Before you know it, society will have access to any James Bond-like device we could ever need.
About The Outpost @ TTU
