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Google Looks To The Future

Posted by: Creativematch

Date added: Thu 05 Apr 2012

Today, Google posted a brief introduction to Project Glass at its Google+ social network, which included images and video. Is this the iPod of the 'teenies'?

In the video, such features as guided walks are suggested - the wearer might see a 'sat nav' type projection in the glasses lens and Google Maps shows a route to the wearer's destination with small arrows keeping him on track.

Apparently there are 14 different services when the glasses are first put on, including information location, weather and a diary update.

The glasses, named Project Glass, might also include iPod type features for music and video.

Widely reported today at the BBC, Huffington Post and more. The New York Times had previously suggested that the first set of glasses would go on sale before the end of the year for somewhere between $250-$600 (£157-£378) - but experts say that the technology shown in the video may still be some way off being ready for market.

The idea of 'Digital wearables' has been around a while (see Kraftwerks suggestion of lapel keyboards from the '70's) - but could this be the iPod of the 'teenies'?

Christian Lindholm, Chief Innovation Officer at Fjord comments:

'As devices become increasingly mobile and embedded in our everyday experience, Google’s pair of futuristic augmented reality glasses marks a step towards mainstream ‘wearable’ technology, demonstrating how smart objects are poised to take centre stage in the next couple of years. The result of Project Glass, Google’s new technology is a perfect example of how devices are evolving into a pocketable ‘hub’ that co-ordinates personal technology with your selection of wearables and accessories. The fact that Google decides to mature this technology in the public eye is very inviting and encouraged. This type of solution is as much about new capabilities as it is about changing the perception and behaviour. Understanding the context of use will help propel this solution into everyday utility.

'Furthermore, the device’s ability to transmit information to the wearer, ability to take pictures, check the weather, and offer a location facility using voice activated icons demonstrates the transformation of smart objects into everyday objects. With the launch of Apple’s Siri and the Xbox Kinect for example, gesture and voice are increasingly being used to control devices and objects are set to become even smarter. Digital wearables will mean the emergence of an array of mobile ‘satellite objects’ – such as wrist-based accessories and wearable technology that uses your mobile as a digital hub around which these connected objects can be arranged. This will trigger 24/7 wearable electronics used for the likes of entertainment and even health, and we are keen to see who, aside from Google, will come forward to own the digital wearable space in the coming year. It’s time to get dressed up in tech, and prepare for a ‘gold rush’ to stake out the territory of smart watches, digital jewellery, and ‘wearables’.'