I’M SO old, I remember the very first compact disc I ever saw, way back in 1980-cough-something.
My peers and I couldn’t have known then just how ubiquitous the CD would become, let alone how comparatively quickly the format would become almost obsolete, as the music world moved on to valuable yet (arguably) intangible virtual products, such as MP3s.
The reason why I’m freewheelin’ down Memory Lane like Grampa Simpson, is because we’re on the cusp of seeing another potential giant step forward in consumer technology, via
Google Glass, which is likely to create a long-lasting memory, once sighted.
Well, perhaps. Tech watchers are hedging our/their bets a little at the moment, as Google Glass could indeed turn out to be the vanguard of a bold new move in the convergence of technologies, and could soon be as comparatively commonplace all over the world.
Then again, that’s what soothsayers said about 3D televisions, too, and we all know how well they’re doing. (Just about as well as Remington typewriters, by all accounts.)
So. Google Glass. What is it, and why mention it now, when only a few exist? First things first.
Continuing Google’s interesting progress as a company driving some innovative ideas forward, “Glass” is the company’s attempt to create a new product – and for many, augmented glasses that also function as a wearable computer seems like a natural fit. Pun intended.
Glass has a tiny camera that’s capable of taking photos as well as HD recording. as well as boasting data projection capabilities, courtesy of a discreet projector unit in front of one lens.
In other words, what feels like, in effect, a little monitor in front of the user can display information as needed.
Using specific commands, users can also take photos, start filming, call up certain types of data, and perform a number of other applications.
It’s an interesting move by the technology and data giant, as many companies have been tinkering with mobile, wearable computing for many years, but with no appreciable success, bar limited, simple sports-related tech.
However, if Glass takes off as expected, the tech could become a high-prestige product all over the world, with Glass’s abilities adapting and developing as time goes by, and other technologies develop.
For example, who’s to say that the tech driving Glass couldn’t be adapted in time to suit, say, presciption or contact lenses, specific industry needs, medical procedures, and so on?
But first, we have to look at how well Glass performs. (Yes, yes, another pun.)
Right now, a limited number of Glass units are out in the field, undergoing extensive testing, as Google works to both work out early kinks and establish any issues to resolve, and raise awareness – certainly, it doesn’t need to raise interest, as a great deal of global attention is already focused on the glasses.
While initial price points suggest the $1,500 (€1,150) mark, consumer prices (possibly for slightly stripped-back versions) are certain to be lower, but all has yet to be fully revealed by the company.
So – last pun, I promise – make sure to look out for Google Glass, soon …
