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Google Glass

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Re: Google Glass

#91
post #71

I don't understand why they keep pushing the niche GoPro-style use case, and there's no way it has the battery life to really work for the livestream use case for more than a few minutes. I think the main use case would be people that want to look like they're paying attention in social situations and can't have their heads buried in their phone but still want to check their email and texts. But maybe that's not a se…

> I don't understand why they keep pushing the niche GoPro-style use case

Maybe because no one else sees you actually wearing the glasses :)

Re: Google Glass

#92
Question that comes immediately to my mind: I'm wearing glasses (short-sighted), so an augmented pair seems like an easy step, can I wear GGlass on top of my prescription glasses ?

Re: Google Glass

#93

Wow. This is marketing material. This is going to be a real thing. Wanna bet Google gives them away for free so they can sell advertising based on your exact context and needs; even what you're looking at? Maybe. But just the idea and possibility of that is incredible. Imagine what this could be used for; not just what we can think of now, but a whole new paradigm of ubiquitous computing, a world to which mobile phon…

They're charging $1500 to be in this "exclusive beta", seems unlikely they'll be free at release.

Re: Google Glass

#94

Ok. So 100% voice-based. That makes sense. That's great. Except if you don't speak English as your primary language. I've tried Google's voice-recognition on my native language and the results have been closer to sad than lulz-worthy. Yes, I know English. Yes, I can both write and speak it fairly well. That's not the point: You won't believe how awkward a context-switch from "I'm talking to people" to "I'm talking to…

For what it's worth, Google Now works pretty well in French, so I'm confident they'll manage to do something usable after some time. Of course it won't be their first priority...

Re: Google Glass

#95
I am really excited, but really does everyone wants Google to track your path everywhere you go, everything single stuff you're watching? :-/ I am assuming the glasses themselves have nearly no cpu capabilities, thus it must be mandatory to export any computation wirelessly toward Google servers, right?

Re: Google Glass

#96
post #7

Sadly, as someone already wearing glasses, it's not an option for me.

Posted on other glass thread: I think it looks better with glasses: https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSQr6-v... Here is sunglasses on Brin from opposite profile: https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTvbW54...

I think it looks better with glasses

In a high-contrast 200px image.

Re: Google Glass

#97
post #77

The recorded videos' have a strange voyeuristic feel, probably due to the POV being so close to the wearer's eyes. That you can use the glasses do do a hangout in real time and broadcast seems novel though. There's no shortage of sci-fi stories dealing with this sort of always-on recording. "Strange Days", "Black Mirror (#3)". I wonder about the legality of this product, if it becomes inconspicuous. Some product idea…

Or fixcast? Have a mechanic walk you through fixing your car, a plumber walk you through fixing your sink.

Re: Google Glass

#98
post #65
post #52

Isn't the HUD a bit... distracting? I mean, I was looking the video and if I focused in the HUD I couldn't watch the "real life" and vice-versa, how would that work in the real Glass? Also, it seems like for now it's only focused in social features... I should get some friends before getting the Glass.

I played World of Warcraft for a bit, and there was a HUD overlay onto the screen. After a while, you kind of get used to it. Also, the devs could make it so that you could control the opacity of the HUD, the position/size, or turn it on/off based on gestures.

I played World of Warcraft for a bit, and there was a HUD overlay onto the screen. After a while, you kind of get used to it.

Exactly. These things are not for people who want to experience real life.

Re: Google Glass

#99

Wow. This is marketing material. This is going to be a real thing. Wanna bet Google gives them away for free so they can sell advertising based on your exact context and needs; even what you're looking at? Maybe. But just the idea and possibility of that is incredible. Imagine what this could be used for; not just what we can think of now, but a whole new paradigm of ubiquitous computing, a world to which mobile phon…

I don't think they're going to give them away, I think they've got two options they'll pursue: 1) they'll do what they've done with the Nexus tablets and phones and sell them for as close to cost price as they can to get them out there, or 2) they're going to take advantage of the fact they'll be pretty much either first to market, or most desired and charge a reasonable markup on it.

Option 1 makes sense, Google's core business is monetizing your eyeballs. It's almost literal in this sense. Glass is going to have some form of advertising and Google has always wanted more data points and more ways to show adverts to you. They make a lot of money on it.

Option 2 is a bit out there for Google, and represents a business strategy shift. What if they can also become a respected hardware-software manufacturer? They've got as much brand awareness as Apple, they're building a reputation for devices as well. Glass could be phenomenally popular, so we're talking a whole new market share that could explode. That could make Google a serious amount of money if they were sticking a 30% markup on (lets be honest, they could do an Apple and go higher on it as well). It'd help them diversify so they've got advertising as a core, and a potentially large revenue stream from the hardware on top. Money in the bank helps pay for the next Moon shot.

Re: Google Glass

#100
post #71

I don't understand why they keep pushing the niche GoPro-style use case, and there's no way it has the battery life to really work for the livestream use case for more than a few minutes. I think the main use case would be people that want to look like they're paying attention in social situations and can't have their heads buried in their phone but still want to check their email and texts. But maybe that's not a se…

Because its the only use case that will make sense at the beginning. These videos look interesting but they are staged, no matter how casual de look is.

As of this moment, Google Glass is just a glorified wireless webcam. It might turn into something more than that in the future, no doubt, and I'm hopeful like you are that it will, but for the first generations what you are going to see is a lot of people using them in extreme sports to film POV activities and sharing them on Youtube. Nothing more.

Even if it's not only voice controlled theres no discreet-email-checking use case in social situations. Have you ever tried to talk to a person who is constantly looking away, even if his head still points to you?

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