Will Google Glass be rolled out to the market? Of course, it will be. Come 2014, glassholes, a term coined by the online world to refer to people sporting Google's futuristic wearable technology utilizing a tiny screen, will start conquering the world. or will they?
A recent study by Bite Interactive revealed that 1 out of 10 American adults who own a smartphone will use Google Glass. About 450 of 1,000 people will not wear it because it looks quite awkward and irritating. Of the respondents, 38 percent will not buy it even when they can afford it. A good chunk of the surveyed individuals also do not find the features of the Glass appealing.
"Google's past successes have occurred when they provide an innovative product that solves a real consumer need. However, with Glass it looks like Google risks exposing a serious disconnect between its pioneering technology and the key problem it solves," explained Joseph Farrel of Bite Interactive.
The study also revealed that average Americans sees the futuristic gadget meant for technology elites. They will most likely stay satisfied using their smartphones to do their usual tasks such as talking to other people, taking videos and pictures or searching for information.
The Google Glass has also been a subject of mockery and debate on every corner of the Internet.
Answer of the Anti-Glassholes
American legislators have expressed their privacy concerns when it comes to Google Glass. The lawmakers have asked the creator of the wearable technology to explain several features that may violate other people's privacy and security.
The Google Glass will open up a world of technophiles wearing an ugly, silly-looking gadget. This device will define creepiness and level it up by a few notches. That's the picture David Pogue of Scientific American is trying ot paint in his analysis. In a world of Glassholes and non-Glassholes, the former will be in a position of control. Users of the potentially powerful device can take pictures and videos of anyone around them with the subjects being clueless of what is happening. For all we know, conversations are being recorded by one party without the other even knowing it.
A Glasshole will also be able to scan his emails or social media profiles while actually talking to another person face to face.
Using a face scanning app, a Glasshole will also be able to stalk other individuals easier. A creepy guy can spot a pretty girl, match the facial features with existing social media profiles and have access to a treasure trove of information that can make his stalking even easier.
And, let's not forget the nightmare of theater owners - imagine how movie houses will have problems with people secretly recording a newly released movie.
Yes, Glassholes will change the norm and make rudeness an everyday big pill to swallow.
Answer of the Pro-Glassholes
Pogue continues to discuss that it is just fear of the new technology that gives rise to such negativities toward the Google Glass.
Google has disclosed before that the production version of the Glass will make use of a light indicator to let non-Glass users that a person is doing something with the wearable technology. The gadget will also be controlled using gestures and voice commands so it will be pretty hard to do things secretly. The creator of the Glass will also not allow applications that do not incorporate the light indicator.
Brian Fung of the National Journal shared his perspective about the Glass that while it may be ugly at its present form, the Glass like any other technology product will evolve.
The gadget also has a good deal of potential. Policemen can use it and record every dangerous encounter they have on the streets for analysis later on. Imagine how the Glass can be used for note-taking, recording every video and capturing every document presented to the user. At work, it can be a great tool to check for safety and efficiency. Getting directions while driving will also be easier.
Doctors and other health workers may also be able to use it to respond quicker to emergencies.
In other words, Glass haters may be distracted with hypothetical negativities about the gadget but once they use the wearable technology, they will be converts.
For now, enjoy a funny exaggeration of how Google Glass can be used by photographers from the guys at Grovo.
