AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF
GOOGLE GLASS
Submitted to Prof. Randall Kerr
Figure 1. Google Glass [1]
University of British Columbia
Applied Science 201
November 17th, 2014
ABSTRACT
“An Investigation into the Development of Google Glass”
Google has engineered an eye wear device, Google Glass, that allow users to experience augmented reality through a mini computer and optical display mounted to the product. Glass is intended to reinvent the way people see the world by delivering virtual images to users, as well as providing access to applications similar to a smartphone. This report investigates the potential of Glass and the product differentiation among other hands-free computer alternatives. Through scholarly publications and popular technology news (including documents by product testers and developers), the devices hardware components, software features, and comparisons with other computer devices have been assessed.
Questions on privacy and safety concern are common among technology experts and scholars. Prior to Glass’ release to testers in 2013, Google was not prepared for such concerns. In order to remedy the privacy exposure, Google is now promoting ethical guidelines to follow while using the product. Google Glass’ price is expected to be driven down when it is released to the public due to its high starting cost of $1500.00 to testers.
Furthermore, an exploration of the feasibility of Google Glass in the current and future market is supplied to provide insight on prospective development of this product. Google Glass’ unique hands-free design differentiates itself from other computer based products. Healthcare and journalism applications have been explored and possible uses in policing are also being considered by police departments globally. Google Glass faces strong competition from Recon Instruments, a medium-sized company that offers a similar product for more than half the cost of Google Glass.
The device’s high performance applications and camera, which are used through voice command, will act as a blueprint for future development in augmented reality eyewear.
GLOSSARY
720p: High definition resolution with 1280x720 pixels that refreshes display 60 times per second.
Android: Mobile platform developed by Google; turns user’s directives into actions on a device.
Augmented Reality A different view of the world where objects are modified by computers to offer varied audio and visual perspectives.
Bluetooth: Wireless technology enabling connection of multiple devices. E.g. Smartphone with Car.
Binocular Rivalry: A condition caused by different images in each eye; the brain is not able to choose one image to focus on.
Bone Conduction Transducer: Type of headset that conducts mechanical vibrations through the skull to achieve hearing in the inner ear.
Component: One part of the system that makes up the whole.
CPU: Piece of hardware that carries out the instructions of a program to perform basic operations (e.g. arithmetic, input/output etc.)
Computer Vision Syndrome: A condition where the eyes become red and irritated, accompanied with a burning sensation; results in blurred vision.
Explorers: Group of qualified individuals who are selected by Google to promote and test Glass before its official launch.
Frequency Band: Frequency of electromagnetic waves that devices emit in order to communicate with other devices of the same frequency.
Gigabytes: One billion (10^9) bytes. A byte is a unit of digital data that consist of 8 bits of 1’s or 0’s.
Gigahertz: One billion (10^9) Hertz. The hertz is the unit of frequency in the International System of Units.
Glass App Market: The economical arena of applications specific to Google Glass.
GPS: Satellite based navigation system that provides the location of the user - commonly used by drivers to travel to different locations.
Hardware: Physical components of an electronic device (eg. CPU, camera, battery, etc.).
Lithium Polymer Battery: Type of rechargeable battery that uses Lithium ions.
Megabytes: One million (10^6) bytes.
Megapixel: One million (10^6) pixels.
Micro USB: A small USB of width 7mm and height 1.5-3mm. A USB is a type of cable that is used to establish communication between digital devices.
MilliAmpere: A hundredth (10^(-3)) of an Ampere. The Ampere is the standard unit for electrical current.
NAND: Flash memory used in computer storage drives; commonly used to store files and software programs in computer
Operating System: Type of software that manages communication between separate hardware and software components of a computer (e.g. Windows, Mac, Linux etc.)
Phoria: A condition where the eyeballs become misaligned and are no longer capable of looking at the same object
Pixel: Smallest controllable element of a digital representation of a picture, short for picture element.
RAM: Type of data storage and access used in digital devices. It manages the reading and writing of data in a computer, allowing users to “save”.
Resolution: Pixel density. Higher Resolution equates to clearer and sharper images.
Software: Set of instructions that directs a computer’s processing unit to perform desired operations, commonly referred to as programs.
SDRAM: Type of RAM that waits for a clock signal from the computer to respond to the changes of inputs, short for Synchronous Dynamic RAM.
Technical Specifications: Detailed description of the type and functionalities of each part.
User Interface: Interaction between the user and the computer. In Google Glass, the display is referred to as the user interface.
Vision Confusion: A condition where both eyes are functional but cannot converge to focus on the desired object
Visual Disturbance: A family of symptoms/diseases including but not limited to double vision (diplopia), partial or total blindness, color blindness, blurred vision, halo, and pain.
Wi-Fi: Wireless technology that allows electronic devices to connect to the internet.
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
720p 1280 by 720 pixels
AI Artificial Intelligence
CPU Central Processing Unit
CVS Computer Vision Syndrome
GB Gigabytes
GDK Glass Development Kit
GHz Gigahertz
mA MilliAmpere
MB Megabytes
MP Megapixel
OS Operating System
RAM Random-Access Memory (or System Memory)
SDK Standard Development Kit
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to provide an in-depth analysis on Google Glass’ potential as a product by analyzing structural components, considering societal concerns, and discussing applications. The information provided is sourced from product testers’ review, popular news sources, and technology websites.
The wearable technology market was initially focused on providing people with active lifestyles, such as bikers or skiers, a means of acquiring information about their environments. One company that entered the market in the earlier stages was Recon Instruments; in 2008, they developed ski goggles that displayed data such as speed and GPS location [2]. Another company that developed wearable technology for athletic personnel was Nike. With the help of Apple, they developed Nike+, a system consisting of a chip implemented into a pair of Nike shoes and an iPod that communicates the users heart rate, pulse, and pace [2].
Google has recent entered the market with Google Glass, a head-mounted computer similar to glasses’, which carries a prism display allowing users to have a picture-in-picture visual experience. Virtual images are layered on top of real images to create a sense of augmented reality*. The project was disclosed to Explorers*, a group of product testers selected by Google, on April 4, 2013. The product has not been released to the public [3]. What sets Google Glass apart from other wearable technology in the current market is that it is designed for all users by providing a platform which exhibits hands-free access to Wi-Fi* applications and cell phone operations such as calling, webpage browsing, and video/picture capturing.
* This term and all subsequent terms can be found in the glossary p.viii - xi
The report provides a mechanism description on the hardware components and unique software features of Google Glass. A developer’s point of view is adopted for technical specifications* of the product whereas a user’s perspective is given to investigate safety, privacy, and affordability concerns. The feasibility of Glass is analyzed through its practical applications.
Although Glass is unlikely to generate as much appeal as the tablet or smartphone due to privacy concerns, the different uses for Google Glass are evident through media coverage. Google Glass illustrates the importance of delivering a unique product in order to appeal to market expectations of innovation. This engineering success enables prospective and current computer engineers to learn about the limits of modern software design.
2.0 MECHANISM DESCRIPTION
2.1 Introduction
Google Glass is a technologically advanced eyewear device that allow users to experience augmented reality* through a prism display. It has two main components: the hardware* and the software (features/functionality). The hardware components that support built-in functions are attached to the right side of the lightweight titanium frame. The design also incorporates adjustable frame pads to ensure it fits to every face and provides two nose pads that vary in size for user adjustment. Glass allows users the ability to access smartphone functionalities such as making calls, browsing the internet, and recording videos, through voice commands and a projected display. The subcomponents include a battery, CPU*, camera, speaker, slide-to-scroll control, microphone, prism display, and frame as illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Hardware components of the Google Glass frame [4]
2.2 Part-by-Part Description
Each part below plays a pivotal role in implementing the basic functionalities.
2.2.1 Battery
The rechargeable 570 mA* lithium-polymer battery* with dimensions 3.8cm × 0.6cm × 1.4cm [5], is the main power source of the device. It has a standard 24 hour battery life, which may be significantly reduced to one hour when operating battery-intensive features such as video recording [6].
2.2.2 CPU
The CPU is found inside the case attached to the right side of the frame and is sized 8 cm × 1 cm [5]. It consists of an OMAP 4430 – Dual Core (1.2GHz*) processor, 682 MB* of RAM*, and an internal storage space (NAND* and SDRAM*) of 16 GB*[2]. Also Glass uses an Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich OS*[6].
2.2.3 Camera
The 5 MP* camera is positioned on the right edge at the front of the frame and has a 1.2 cm diameter [5]. This offers users the ability to take high-definition photos and videos with 720p* quality [6].
2.2.4 Speaker
The speaker in Glass is positioned in front of the battery with dimensions of 1 cm × 0.6 cm × 0.5cm [5]. These speakers use Bone Conduction Transducer* technology that sends vibrations through the bones that induce vibrations in the users ear drum [6].
2.2.5 Slide-to-Scroll Control
The slide-to-scroll control is a touchpad that is positioned on the outside of the case which contains the other hardware and is 10 cm in length [5, 6]. This touchpad offers an efficient method for users to scroll through text pages or application lists.
2.2.6 Microphone
The Wolfson WM7231 MEMS microphone is positioned in between the camera and the slide-to-scroll control and has dimensions 0.8 cm × 0.8 cm × 0.1 cm [5, 6]. MEMS microphones are generally small and provide high quality audio recording [7].
2.2.7 Prism Display
The prism display consists of a projector and a 0.64 cm × 0.64 cm × 1 cm prism which reflects the light into eye, creating a 640 × 360 pixel* augmented reality display [5,6]. This is the main means of information transfer from the device to the user. See Figure 3: How the Prism Display Works.
Figure 3: How the Prism Display Works [8]
2.2.8 Frame
The titanium frame is U-shaped with a frontal length of 12.7 cm and side length of 17.8 cm [5]. The frame is lightweight, flexible, and sturdy acting as a strong base framework for the parts [6]. The frame makes up the majority of Glass’ weight of 50g.
2.3 Conclusion of Mechanism
The microphone allows the user to interact with the device through voice recognition software, while the battery, CPU, slide-to-scroll control, and prism display work together to form a fluent user interface* for computerized functions such as browsing the internet. Additionally, the camera and speaker work together to enable video capturing and voice chatting.
3.0 SOFTWARE
Google Glass provides advanced software despite being one of the first augmented reality eyewear products to be released - the smooth user interface and basic features are on par with other computer-based products. Descriptions on each software component are presented in the following sections with supporting illustrations.
3.1 SPECIFICATIONS
Glass’ operating system and processor used in combination enables applications to run quickly. Internet connection is often necessary for applications that enable video calling and web browsing.
3.1.1 Operating System, Processing, Memory and Storage
Google Glass runs on the Operating System* (OS) Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, which was released on March 29, 2012. Android OS*, which are widely used in smartphones, allows Google Glass to be compatible with mobile apps. Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 – Dual Core (1.2GHz*) is the processor Glass contains; this enables Glass to be approximately half the speed of laptops. It also contains RAM* of 682 MB* and an internal storage space (NAND* and SDRAM*) of 16GB*, in which 12GB are usable to store data such as music, videos, documents, and applications [2].
3.1.2 Connectivity
For an optimal Wi-Fi* (internet) connection, Google Glass utilizes a frequency band* of 2.4 GHz, allowing it to be compatible with most Wi-Fi ports. Glass also supports transmissive* applications such as GPS*, compasses, and built-in Bluetooth* functionality. Table I provides a summary of the different features of Google Glass with corresponding hardware [2].
Table I: Hardware features of Google Glass 16GB [9]
3.2 FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY
Google Glass is a versatile device. Similar to smartphones, Google Glass has the capacity to accommodate Android apps through the “Glass app market*” [10]. Although the Glass app market is still young, the number of apps are growing exponentially as several developers foresee a profitable future for Glass.
3.2.1 Usage and Commands
Once Glass is turned on using the power button, Glass is ready to be navigated using the touchpad. Tapping the touchpad is equivalent of selecting a command; forward and backward swiping of the user’s finger scrolls through applications, while sliding from top to bottom cancels or backs out of the application [11].
Google Glass’ set of voice commands surpass the usage of the touchpad. The most fundamental directive is the voice command “OK Glass”. Saying this phrase will cause the device to display the voice action list, which lets the user see possible voice commands such as “send message to…”, “make a call to…”, or other user-defined actions. Glass can be customized to automatically turn on when the user lifts his or her head up by setting the “Head Wake Up” feature [11].
3.2.2 User Interface
Google Glass’ standard user interface is a timeline display composed of a row of “cards”, which can be accessed by tapping the touchpad at the home screen [2]. These cards are displays of notifications related to the user’s past actions, and related cards are stacked together to form a “bundle”. Tapping the touchpad on a certain card lets the user choose from a range of possible actions related to that card. The left side of the timeline contains time and location information the user might find interesting based on his or her preferences spotted by the integrated AI* [2]. Figure 4 is a sample timeline for an elaborate description of the user interface.
Figure 4: Example Google Glass Timeline[12]
Glass notifies the users on updates by making a chime sound and giving them five seconds to immediately act on the notification with a single touchpad tap [11].
3.2.3 Basic Built-In Features
Google Glass features many convenient functions that aid the user by making use of its revolutionary AI. Examples include winking in order to take a picture, asking the browser to search “How tall is Mount Everest?”, and referring to Mount Everest as “it” for a second search right after the first mention. Glass’ comprehension of user directives is highly advanced. Some example commands include: “Where is the nearest mall?”, “How do you say ‘What time is it’ in Swedish?”, “Who is the main vocalist of the band KISS?” and “Why is the sky blue?” Glass will use the GPS, the dictionary, or an internet search in order to respond to the user’s command. Users can also share their experiences by capturing “vignettes” and sending them to other Glass users via the built-in software [11]. Figure 5 is an example vignette sent by a user wearing Glass.
Figure 5: A vignette of a football game sent by a Glass user using the application Twitter [13]
3.2.4 Software Programming
Much like any modern computing device franchise, Google Glass provides users with the ability to implement their own desired applications. Google Glass uses the Android interface, allowing Glass software, namely Glassware, to be implemented using Android SDK* as a type of Android applications. There is also a glass specific development environment GDK* available for programmer usage. Developers write code that will later be converted to Glassware and be uploaded to Glass itself with supporting voice commands [14]. There are endless possibilities of functions that can be implemented using this interface. Figure 6 is a facial recognition feature implemented by a developer.
Figure 6: Developed facial recognition and processing application for Google Glass [14]
4.0 SOCIETAL CONCERNS
Google Glass’ applications enable real time recording, picture taking, and location sharing in social media. As such, technology experts and media personnel have discussed societal concerns connected to privacy and safety. The following section analyzes the market acceptance on such issues. The high cost of Glass is also factored in since few people can afford the product.
4.1 PRIVACY
Technology allows people to access other people’s information without difficulty. While many may see such convenience as beneficial, some see it as an invasion of privacy.
4.1.1 Intrusive Surveillance
BBC writer Chris Baraniuk points out that Glass’s video camera could be used for intrusive surveillance [15]. Figure 7 depicts a motorcyclist recording the scene ahead. Under the electronic communication act of the United States, authorities, companies, and lawyers will be able to access videos recorded by one’s device upon request. Although this may be useful as evidence in court cases, privacy advocacy groups fear that select individuals or groups will abuse this act and impermissibly access personal videos and photos in Google Glass devices.
4.1.2 Consent
Baraniuk reports that some people feel uneasy around Glass due to the potential of being recorded without consent or indication [15]. Social stigmas have been formed against the use of Google Glass. Sarah Slocan, a social media consultant, was attacked at a bar for wearing the device. Slocan reports in an interview by the Daily Mail that she was attacked pre-emptively, but other witnesses claim she had been purposely recording embarrassing behaviour, thus resulting in the attack [16].
Many fear that public privacy will degenerate with the introduction of Google Glass. For instance, couples can no longer argue in public without the possibility of being broadcast online. In order to remedy such concerns, Google has publicized a list of Dos and Don’ts in order not to be a “Glasshole” [17]. Listed items include “Do Ask for Permission”, “Don’t Be Creepy or Rude”, and “Do Use Screen Lock”. To further reassure the public, Google has stated that facial recognition features will not be added to Glass without ensuring individuals’ privacy and security.
Figure 7: Motorcyclist using Glass to capture a video [18]
4.2 SAFETY
As Glass is designed to be used in most occasions, studies have been conducted to analyze risks associated with using it during everyday activities such as driving or even taking a stroll. Concerns in both public safety and personal safety have been raised, and in some cases, answered.
4.2.1 Effects on Driving
A study by the University of California concludes that Glass creates far worse blind spots while driving compared to normal glasses [19]. The study also states that Glass’ prism display hinders the use of one’s peripheral vision, recommending users not to use Glass while driving, cycling, or jogging. Dr. Edward Koo, a University of California clinical ophthalmologist, states that using Glass while driving may be particularly risky to those who live in countries with left hand driving [19]. Glass’s prism creates a blind spot on the upper right hand side of one’s vision, directly blocking incoming traffic in left hand driving. Even in countries with right hand driving, the blind spot blocks the rear-view mirror, and may also block the right side mirror. Google states that user safety is of its utmost concern, but denies the device is faulty since other spectacles can cause vision blockages [19].
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Central Florida states that texting with Glass can cause increased accident rates despite the fact that individuals who use Glass to text are shown to be better able to regain control of their vehicles when compared to those who use smartphones to text [20]. This study also noted peripheral vision blockage since Glass users were observed to follow the traffic ahead of them more closely, suggesting that simply wearing the device is a distraction. Figure 8 shows Glass’ display during driving.
Figure 8: Glass user driving to the airport [21]
4.2.2 Eye Damage
Elise Ackerman, a Forbes reporter, indicates that head-mounted displays, such as Glass, may cause vision problems when worn for extended periods of time [22]. Computer vision syndrome* (CVS) is caused by looking at a computer screen for an extended period of time; common effects include a burning sensation and irritation in the eye, as well as blurred vision. Another potential issue is vision confusion*, which occurs when eye function is damaged. Further complications of vision confusion include binocular rivalry*, visual disturbance* and phoria*.
Eli Peli, a Harvard Medical School Ophthalmology professor and senior scientist at Schepens Eye Research Institute, refutes Ackerman’s concern on potential eye damage. Peli states that Google has taken safety and comfort into consideration far more than any other head-mounted display he has evaluated [22]. Since Glass’ prism display has a minimal impact on a user’s field of vision, chances of eye problems (ie. binocular rivalry) are minimal. The only risk in Glass occurs when both the virtual and real images viewed are similar in contrast, brightness, and movement. Such patterns typically only occur in games; Glass presents a low risk of damage outside of gaming applications.
4.3 COST
With Glass’ current price tag of $1,500 for explorers*, Forbes writer Mark Rogowsky reasons that the main reason for the high price of Glass is to keep the demand low [23]. Before the device is fully developed, Google will have a small, but committed, group of test users to give high quality feedback.
Rogowsky suspects the product will retail for much less when it is released to the public. Technology experts estimate that Glass took approximately $152 to produce [23]. Figure 9 lists the breakdown of costs.
Figure 9: Production Cost Estimates for Google Glass [24]
5.0 FEASIBILITY
Google Glass is designed to differentiate itself from other similar products by marketing to healthcare and media sectors. However, Google Glass faces stiff competition from Recon Jet. The following sections outline Google Glass’ applications, compare Google Glass with the Recon Jet, and evaluate the long term feasibility of this product.
5.1 Applications
Google Glass attempts to separate itself from the ubiquitous smartphone and tablet mainly through its camera capabilities and hands-free nature. Google has offered free products for healthcare and mass media employees to test.
5.1.1 Health-Care Uses
Some doctors in the United States have adopted Google Glass and conducted experiments to test the product. In Connecticut, Hartford Hospital doctors have initiated a pilot study to simulate surgeries where doctors can view all vital signals and lab results through Google Glass in one location. Figure 10 demonstrates the convenience of such a feature. The purpose is to reduce the delay in scanning through a collection of monitors and allow doctors to maintain sight of the patient throughout the surgery [25]. At the Texas Medical Centre hospital, Dr. James Grotta, director of Stroke Research has spearheaded a movement to allow emergency responders to communicate with expert doctors through Glass while treating stroke victims before they are transported to the emergency team [26]. Stroke typically kills two million brain cells every minute a patient is not treated. Google Glass has currently allowed the Texas hospital to form the first mobile stroke unit in North America [26].
Figure 10: Nurse viewing vital signals with Google Glass under simulation conditions [27]
5.1.2 Digital Journalism
The University of Southern California currently offers a digital journalism course dedicated towards Google Glass. Professor Robert Hernandez believes that Google Glass can counter “deeply rooted” notions of rejecting technology in the journalism industry by using Glass to create reports that allow followers to simulate being in the scene rather than being told a story through pictures and videos [28]. As Voice of America television reporter Carolyn Presutti explains, Google Glass allows journalists to free up their hands and form a more dynamic report that emphasises the surroundings more than the reporter [29]. Figure 11 exemplifies this feature. Glass also contains all technical features required to create a story, allowing news companies to limit technical personnel on the scene and dedicate more resources towards reporting [30].
Figure 11: Journalist interviewing Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni at the World Economic Forum [31]
5.2 Competitors
A side-by-side comparison of Google Glass and the Recon Jet is provided since both are at the forefront in the augmented reality market; each incorporates virtual images into people’s daily activities. Technical data indicates both are similar in value, but differences are highlighted below to analyze whether Google Glass can succeed despite its high price.
5.2.1 Competing Augmented Reality Eyewear Product – Recon Jet
A Vancouver based company called Recon Instruments is Google’s main competitor in developing augmented reality products [32]. Recon Instruments offers a similar product to Google Glass called the Recon Jet. However, the Recon Jet is priced at $599.00, less than half of Google Glass’ price. Google Glass’ display is one justification for its high cost. While Recon Jet’s display offers a resolution* of 428x240, Google Glass’ display has a higher resolution* of 640x360. Google glass offers an expensive prism projector display which receives projected semi-transparent images and reflects the light directly into a user’s eyes. In contrast with the Rekon Jet’s display, which strategically places a screen close to the user’s eye, Glass directs images into a user’s eyes seamlessly. Another important technical difference is in the Recon Jet’s additional sensors; the temperature, altimeter, and barometer sensors are all highly compatible with heart rate monitors. As such, the Rekon Jet appeals to users interested in fitness or sports [32]. Figure 12 depicts a biker wearing the Rekon Jet. The success of the Recon Jet is another indicator that Google may be forced to lower the cost of Glass when it is made available to the public.
Figure 12: Biker viewing speed, heart rate, and time with the Recon Jet (Glass’ main competing product) [33]
5.3 Long Term Initiatives
5.3.1 Integrating Google Glass into Policing
Google remains silent on long term product goals for the Google Glass but they are evidently attempting to target a broad market of users [34]. In addition to supplying doctors and journalists with Google Glass’, Google has also been in contact with the Dubai police force, who hope to lead the policing frontier in adopting the facial recognition capabilities of the product. The Dubai police force hopes to use Google Glass in incidents involving violence so suspects
can be identified by matching their faces to a database of wanted criminals [35]. The New York City Police Department are among others experimenting with the product, as displayed in figure 13.
Figure 13: New York Police testing benefits of Google Glass [16]
5.3.2 3D Projections
Despite Google’s silence on their product development plans, technical experts suspect that Google plans to enable 3D holographic images of different objects with Google Glass as the projecting medium. Technical websites have reported Google communicating with the US Patenting Office relating to such technology [36].
5.3.3 Designer Frames
5.3.3 Designer Frames
Following Google’s launch of four new frames for the Google Glass in January, the company plans to design future frames to resemble regular eyewear. Although Google Glass currently supports prescription lenses, such adjustments require an additional cost of up to $200. Google has partnered with VSP, an eye-care insurance provider in plans to reduce the cost of the frames [37]. Google believes that product styling is an important aspect of technology and plans to partner with design firms to create more frames.
6.0 Conclusion
This report presented a detailed analysis of Google Glass’ components, impact on society, and applications. Google Glass shows potential for both developers and users. Being an Android device, Glass offers opportunities for developers to design applications for business gain and users to access hands-free applications.
Privacy issues remain the primary issue for Google to solve. A poll from a marketing-research firm, Toluna, revealed that 72% of Americans refuse to purchase Glass due to concerns with “hackers accessing personal information” [38]. Many testers believe Glass’ ability to capture photos and videos without any indication violates people’s basic privacy rights. However, Google believes such privacy concerns can be mitigated through unspoken agreements of “Do’s and Don’ts” with Glass usage. Experts believe that such policies are a start, but more needs to be done to ensure ethical use of the product. Safety concerns of wearing Glass during driving can also be addressed through legal amendments to prohibit use of Glass while driving. The cost of Glass is expected to decrease to the range of $400-799$ due to increasing competition [39]. Glass remains a profitable product to produce because of its inexpensive production cost.
Google Glass is a versatile product that appeals to different demographics. In addition to its practical applications to health-care, journalism, and policing procedures, Glass is also suitable to athletes or tech-savvy people who value software applications. Users can multitask efficiently with the prism display and voice activated feature of the product.
The concept of wearable technology is not new, but Google Glass, with its integration of computing technology, has generated interest in its delivery of an augmented reality experience. Expansive technology companies such as Samsung, Sony, and Microsoft are realising the potential in hands-free technological eyewear [40]. Glass’s future success is relatively unknown, but development opportunities in the wearable technology market are already visible through proposed applications and tested software features. Glass will be positively received by the majority of technology consumers, but privacy issues and social stigmas will limit the product’s ceiling when compared with other ubiquitous technology products.
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Great points there, thanks. And here is the relevant article, maybe someone will find it useful too visual commerce for manufacturers
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