OT
I got to play with Google Glass for a short time.
It does form a strong impression.
Pretty neat idea, I could see right away potential and applications. But - they are niches. It is sure to find its niches but (as it is now) it is a niche product, and one thing which hampers it is the same thing that hampers computers - it is a general purpose device, but for many niches it needs to be configured for the specific task - ie features deleted and specifically configured. I'm sure that is possible.
With my very strong diopter glasses, it was not comfortable and the display was difficult to discern, but I'm sure that others without that handicap would would have a better time with it.
I cannot see it used as a heads up display in a car. If something like that was needed in a car, it would be better to be integral part of the windshield.
I saw the "translation" feature - look at a sign in another language, say "google glass...translate" and it translates the sign visually. Oh wait - the iPhone has an app like that, no?
Voice recognition worked and for the most part it understood what I said (it only needs to recognize a limited vocabulary).
The weakest part of it is that anything out of basic functions it needs to consult the oracle - home base as you will or in other words the internet - so if there is something you need to tell it (and it needs to interpret), connect to internet and even though when I was playing with it in a place with good internet connectivity, there were lots of gaps. That it needs to connect to the internet for functions is a weak point in terms of security, which eliminates many applications.
At $1500 I would say that it is a rich man's plaything - once mass produced and the kinks taken out and sold at a much reduced price it might be worth to look at it - or through it. |
