Google's technology has always been top notch and the advances that the company are making is nothing short of incredible. One of their lesser used devices is the Google Glass, but the possibilities and application of the device are at this point boundless. In fact, Stanford scientists have just found a way to enhance the lives of those living with autism by using Google Glass.
According to NBC News, those with autism have a hard time reading emotions in people's faces. This makes it more difficult for these individuals to have normal conversations, which can make it difficult to form and maintain relationships at times. Google Glass can help overcome this hurdle.
During a coversation, a software downloaded on Google Glass can help the wearer identify the emotions people are feeling. The facial recognition software, which was developed at Standard University, now runs on Google Glass.
One child with autism, Julian, was part of the study to improve and create the software for Google Glass that is geared towards helping other people with autism. He said, "There's not a machine that can read your mind, but this helps with the emotions. You know, recognizing them."
According to The Baltimore Sun, Julian wears the device for an hour a day when he is interacting with his family members. The facial recognition software then indicates the other's feelings by either spelling out the feeling through words, or emojis that correspond to the feeling.
Dennis Wall, from the Stanford University School of Medicine, shares that they hope the device will teach individuals with autism how to better read those around them. In time, Wall believes that the autism glass will make them more social. The team also hopes that the autism glass can help families with cheaper therapy that can be conducted at home.
While the study is relatively new, families of participants already see the difference.
Google has actually stopped manufacturing Google Glass but the device might just get a second chance in the hands of medical researchers.
