Google Glass has a problem. They’re really not cool to wear. They also don’t really do anything your phone can’t already do (better). In order to be successful, Google Glass needs to find a way to either be cool or useful — either by their own efforts or encouraging third parties.
I had the opportunity to play with Google Glass for a few minutes at VIP event here in Detroit. I appreciated the one-on-one time with a Glass expert, but left with a feeling of ‘that’s it?’ Glass is a very basic platform currently — you can get directions, weather, take photos or videos, and do Google searches. While I understand wanting to create an open platform where other developers can create, to get people behind the product, there needs to be something to get excited about. I can see where having a heads-up display of directions might be useful, especially if you’re biking, but overall I was left with a sense of disappointment (the Glass rep didn’t like my Borg comment either, but that’s not surprising).
I think Google does have an opportunity to make Glass something that people want — There definitely are times when having a hands-free, visual way to interact with your phone would be very helpful. I can envision times when I’m cleaning, washing dishes, working outside, etc., where being able to interact with online apps without pulling out my phone would be pretty cool. While maybe not the cool they’re looking for, thinking about these types of use cases could help Google showcase Glass in a way that people can see themselves using.
Enhanced reality is another option, which could have interesting possibilities, especially in gaming, but there still has to be a reason to buy the device.
Have you experienced Google Glass? What do you think?
