Geeking Out with Google Glass

It’s not news to say that technology is evolving at the speed of light. In just my lifetime, cellphones have changed from the briefcase-toting behemoths, to indestructible, monochromatic-screened bricks, to todays touch-screen technological miracles. On top of the cellphone, we’ve been given the privilege of using other mobile devices, such as laptops and tablets to make tasks easier in every sector of our lives. As incredible as it all is, it’s only the beginning.

Google is now preparing to answer the dreams of so many science fiction/superhero/action movie fans in the form of Google Glass. It’s “halo” of sorts, that sits on your face like a pair of glasses but only has one small screen right on the peripheral of one eye. The device responds to the voice, movement and touch of the wearer and completes many of the same tasks as a smartphone but projects them on a screen that only you can see. The hands-free nature of Google Glass, however, is what makes it such a cool device.

Imagine all of those moments that you couldn’t take your phone out fast enough to capture a video or picture, or the times when you wished you could sight-see but follow a map at the same time. Google Glass addresses these problems.

The intention is to have the wearer have the device on at all times so life can be easily documented and navigated at an instant. Pictures/video can be taken, audio recorded, Google searches completed, directions provided all at the simple command of the wearer. It’s incredible really.

What I find funny though, are the complaints about it, and the concerns about why it might not be as successful. People and companies are not worried about privacy or cost. Instead, they’re worried about style. It’s strange to think that this device that could be used in so many different ways and weighs the same as a pair of sunglasses could be seen as an inconvenience because of its styling. People are concerned about what colors it should come in, what the shape to should be and if people will seem “uncool” while wearing them. To me, this seems a bit ridiculous when you think of how clever the device is.

A more valid concern is that Google Glass (which is still in its early stages) is not compatible with glasses or sunglasses. Again, its crazy to think how far we’ve come technologically to think that people are more concerned about whether they can wear sunglasses with a device than the fact that such a cool device exists at all.

What do you think about Google Glass?

How do you think it can be incorporated into digital government strategies?

What agencies, do you think, would benefit most?

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3 Comments

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Stephen

I could see field workers benefiting greatly. I saw a special on TV about federal workers (Dep of Interior maybe) who were studying the behavior of wolverines. They would track it with handheld devices. I could see them benefiting from google glass to more efficiently track and record animal behavior and habitats.

I could also see good use for all of us feds who at one time or another are walking around and looking down at our phone to send a text at the same time. This way at least we could keep our heads upright while texting 🙂

Daniel Callahan

When it comes down to it, any and all programs can benefit from easy, effective communication. If Google Glass can increase and ease communication within a department, they’ll be useful for anyone.

Janina Rey Echols Harrison

Well, since I am legally blind, it would not help me if it can’t be integrated into my glasses or sunglasses. And don’t poke fun at the stylishness, does your cell have something that makes it more individual? your iPad/mini? skins/colors/patterns/add-ons are part of the marketing that makes probably as much money as the device.

Cell and wireless don’t work well where I live, no connectivity but getting better with time as more towers go up.

Can’t wait to at least try these out. If I can check my email, social media, and whatever I do on my computer, I will be happy.