Google Glass is the latest in wearable technology. A lightweight, titanium frame made to be worn like glasses, it holds the same capabilities as your typical smart phone. The ability to operate the system hands-free while communicating with the internet through voice commands is reported to yield an exceptional user experience for the few who have tested its capabilities.
When Google announced they were seeking people to experience the new Google Glass early through the exclusive Glass Explorer Program, local tech enthusiasts jumped at the opportunity.
Explorers are charged with the task of finding new ways to use Glass and ultimately, shape its future by making recommendations for improvements, changes and for some, designing innovative apps to be utilized by future wearers.
Unfortunately, not every person who applies will fit the criteria set by Google. Explorers must be U.S. citizens who are over 18 years of age and able to afford the $1,500 price tag of Glass.
Chad Cooper, a manager of a local Sprint store, and an entire office of savvy web developers are all exploring the possibilities of Google Glass.
The Explorers
Driven by the potential of wearable technology to become an "Explorer," Ari Adler has been wearing Glass for a little over a month.
The biggest adjustment for Adler was the reaction from other people.
“It’s not the stealthiest thing to wear. It’s pretty obvious. The frame is like wearing glasses but there are no frames and all off the tech is on one side. People notice it quite a bit.”
The novelty of wearing Glass was a distraction as others tried to discern whether he was paying attention to their interaction or just surfing the web discreetly. He often takes them off during meetings to make it clear that he is fully present for what is taking place.
As the Press Secretary for the Speaker of the House, Adler has had to maneuver privacy concerns from professionals concerned about being constantly recorded, photographed or streamed live onto the internet without consent. Currently Google Glass does not have the red light feature that is known as the universal sign for recording but Explorers are discussing that addition.
“I think there will need to be etiquette. I ask if people mind that I’m wearing it and assure them that I’m not recording anything without their permission. It comes down to courtesy and trust.”
Weaving technology into life
Although the ability to instant message or participate in Hangouts is somewhat limited by the people who have Google accounts, Adler has already identified some practical uses for Glass. In the frigid temperatures that have fallen upon the capital city this year, taking photos hands-free while on outdoor family excursions allows gloves to stay on.
Glass made it possible for Adler to shoot video of the damage caused to trees on his property during the ice storm this January. Potentially, insurance adjusters could view damage in real time while discussing claim information on Google Hangout.
“The fascinating part of being an Explorer is watching people who are using the device come up with great new ways to use it.”
Adler references an Auto mechanics that uses the devise to show customers the parts in their cars that are malfunctioning and walk them through the necessary repairs. Innovations for the use of Glass continue to expand and develop as Explorers continue to give feedback and share their creative uses for the technology.
One of Adler’s favorite Glass features is the turn by turn directions of Google Maps. The app wakes up at turns and provides the user with a map, making it possible for them to keep their eyes on the road or walkway the entire time.
“States are proposing laws to prevent the use of Google Glass while driving. I think that would be a shame because it really is much less distracting than any other navigation system I have ever used.”
Adler’s wife did note a comical observation caused by the verbal commands that operate the system. “It seems like I talk to myself more than I used to.”
Google Glass in real time
We’ve all witnessed a couple at dinner. Their faces glowing in the light of their cell phone displays, instead of the romantic candlelight they intended to enjoy. Chad Cooper, manager at a Sprint store in Grand Ledge, says that his experience of Google Glass is one that removes the barrier of the handheld cell phone from interpersonal communication.
“A smart phone cannot function as a window,” stated Cooper. “You can see right through Glass and view the world while staying connected.”
With 10 years of experience guiding the mobile technology choices of Capital area residents, when friends saw Cooper wearing Glass, they weren’t surprised. If there was any person suited for the program, according to them, he was it. His friends were enthusiastic about trying out the new technology and Cooper was happy to oblige.
“Glass has a screen cast function that allows me to share my use in real time. It’s my duty as an explorer to help educate people about the new technology.”
Cooper, like Adler, has enjoyed using Glass to record personal family experiences. The ability to take photos and record video hands-free while playing with his 10 month son allows him to fully immerse himself in those special moments instead of viewing them through the viewfinder of a phone.
“I realized the shift in perspective when I started watching the videos and viewing the photos later. It was like I was living it again. It was like I was there, in the moment instead of at arm’s length living it.”
Cooper has been experimenting with Glass for close to two months and is developing an app. He is discreet about the exact nature of the app he is working on says it will help Glass owners deal with security issues like loss or theft.
Google Glass functioning was intuitive for Cooper as a user, and although battery life is not ideal, he accepts that as an improvement that will come over time. Cooper hopes that Glass will come with a foldable mechanism for convenient storage in the future. The privacy concerns that have plagued the media and captured the attention of lawmakers have not been an issue for Chad.
“I’ve never experienced people shying away from the technology. They are mostly just inquisitive and willing to learn.”
Chad believes that the ease of wearable technology decreases the constant need to clamor for a smart phone to check notifications or incoming messages.
“We don’t think of our hands when we use them. If we lost a finger we would know it but we don’t think of our hands as an amazing function of biology. Google glass is a great feature of technology but it has become a natural part of my life, like an appendage.”
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Tashmica Torok is the innovation and jobs editor for Capital Gains.
Photos ©
Dave Trumpie
Dave Trumpie is the managing photographer for Capital Gains. He is a freelance photographer and owner of
Trumpie Photography.