Seeing Through Google Glass


Google churns out technology products faster and more proficiently than Octomom produces tax deductions. And I've been a fan and faithful contributor for years (of Google products not Nadya Suleman that is). Gmail, Google Calendar, Android, Blogger, Maps — I'd list them all but I'm sure they'll release a few more by the time this article is printed today. And the latest product is Google Glass.

Part steampunk, part Terminator, Google Glass looks more like eye wear Jordy from Star Trek might wear on the beaches of Rigel 7 than a technology product. But it's Google's new way of looking at your world as seen through the Internet. Through verbal and motion commands, it can take a photo or video of what you happen to be looking at at that moment and lets you share it through the Web. It gives you directions if you want through maps. And of course does searches for images, answers, etc. on command. It even comes in five colors.

Now aside from the Google phone, Chromebook, and Google Business cards, Google Glass is really one of only a few tangible products the company has released. But this time Google has come up with a great way of selling its Google Glass: by not letting you buy it.

That's right, if you want to be one of the first people ridiculed --er, admired-- for wearing the new tech headgear then you are going to have to earn it, or at least apply for the opportunity. As the site explains:

"We’re looking for bold, creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass. We’d love to make everyone an Explorer, but we’re starting off a bit smaller. We’re still in the early stages, and while we can’t promise everything will be perfect, we can promise it will be exciting."

Google wants you to submit an application in 50 words or less via Google+ or Twitter with the #ifIhadglass hashtag by February 27. Then if you are one of lucky chose few they will send you one. For "only" $1,500.

Now keep in mind that I (still) don't have a tablet nor intend to get one as I'm quite happy with my laptop/smart phone duo doing all I need. But I just don't see the purpose of Google Glass when all it really does is avoid the need for those pesky old pieces of technology: our hands. It sounds like a gadget that James Bond might use, but in the real world, I'm guessing more it will be that creepy guy on the Subway who will be first on line.

Article first published as Google Glass: I Just Don't See It on Technorati.




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