Is Google Glass Here To Stay?

Image Source:  mashable.com

Today, it is difficult to imagine our lives without some type of electronic gadget coming to mind. We see gadgets like smartphones and tablets playing a more prominent role in our day to day routine.

As a result, it could be argued that we live in an electronics-dependent society, one that functions primarily with the use of some sort of technological equipment. It’s not hard to find evidence demonstrating how we rely on electronic technology to function in every aspect of our lives, starting with the use of appliances for basic feeding and extending to the use of social media and the internet to help keep citizens clued in and involved in a nation’s affairs or political endeavors. In this current age of highly advanced gadgetry, it is commonplace to wait in eager anticipation of the latest release of any gadget, even if the individual already owns a perfectly functioning version that could still last for a long period of time.

The idea of keeping up to date with the latest technology has moved from being a thing of choice to a basic necessity. We see software and other valuable updates only being created for the newest operating systems; therefore, in order to download a software created in 2011 or later, one would be required to have at least a 2011 OS because companies now only create products compatible with the newest operating system. If one wishes to upgrade any minor element, other updates become necessary as opposed to elective. Companies encourage this hyper-consumerism by constantly rolling out new ideas for products and even allowing premature access to limited public audiences in order to test their commercial viability.

Presently, the announcement of the latest array of gadgets includes the highly anticipated Google Glass: a pair of thin glasses that use built in apps to function in a hands-free mode. This glass boasts of being the “game changer” in regards to how we use technology to interact with society. Google Glass uses augmented reality technology to interact with the real world. This technology opens the gates to a whole new form of interaction, allowing users to instantly run a Google search on a stranger they ran into in a subway or instantly live stream a conversation or meeting via Google Hangouts. Much of the appeal is in its hands-free design, rendering tasks like video-recording events or activities significantly less troublesome and more enjoyable, as it only requires directing your line of sight to focus and capture the moment. What's more, this device can download and run many apps- not just Google software- which leaves its development and use open-ended.

Critics of this gadget claim that the entire project is an over-ambitious one, just like Apple’s “Siri” which was equally brilliant, but arguably irrelevant. Critics predict the devices will fail in the market because of several issues that plague its relevance and usability. These issues include privacy, comfort, cost and general ease of use. Critics believe this product would encounter a myriad of privacy issues because of its potential to innately gather and store information on surroundings and other individuals nearby without permission. A strong case against the success of this product is its whopping cost, it is rumored to become available to the public at an outrageous price of $1,500.

Optimistic critics, on the other hand, believe in the success of this product. They argue, similar to Apple’s Ipad, the world will be open to accept a technology that they previously had no idea they needed. So, just like the Ipad, the masses will eventually incorporate Google Glass into their daily lives. Others, still, believe that although the product may fail as a domestic entity, it shows potential for flourishing as a corporate tool. Departments, like the police force, will find this product particularly helpful in carrying out their daily duties.

Many are convinced that the Glass will be used in positive ways that cannot yet be foreseen, similar to how the reach in use of Microsoft’s X-box Kinect shocked even the creators when it went from being only a game to being used as an educational tool in lectures to guide presentations. As we wait in eager anticipation, only time will tell if Google Glass will be a commercial success and the revolutionary product it is hyped up to be or an unnecessary and expensive flop.

For jumblers*, we find this new product to be particularly exciting and innovative. We are used to seeing technology advance at a rapid pace and are ready to learn how to interact with the new Google Glass. It may not be long before we’re all sporting the glasses fashion trend. That is, of course, once the price has drastically decreased or when there are no longer daunting interest rates for private loans just to finance our technological cravings.

F.E.A

*"Jumbler" is a new term more directly describing the age-group between the open-ended “young adult” and the broad “adults”. A jumbler is an intellectually sound and aware 17-27 year old with opinions and genuine concern or interest in the world around him/her as well as the issues affecting its communities.

This blog, JumbleTalk, and our news source website www.jumbletalk.com are completely run and written by jumblers, giving them a voice and outlet that reflects their influential, relevant opinions and their strong abilities and skills.