Google GlassWhere will Google Glass Apps find their use?

Google Glass TechnologiesGoogle Glass is shaking up the tech world. It’s an amazingly controversial product, probably because it breaks new ground in so many new areas:

● Augmented Reality● Head Mounted Display (HMD)● Hands-Free Interaction● Speech Recognition● Ambient Intelligence

Let’s first make sure we’re clear on how all these technologies contribute to Glass.

What is Augmented Reality?Glass uses real-life data based on GPS and other local sensors and combines this data with digital resources to put context-sensitive information into the display. This allows Glass to overlay information, thus augmenting how the user perceives reality.

For example: Glass can detect foreign text and project a translation on the display.

Benefits of Head Mounted DisplayGlass uses a Head Mounted Display (HMD), meaning the display moves with your head and is always effortlessly within your line of sight.

The display is situated so that it is unobtrusive, but easily visible. When the display is off, it is transparent.

Hands-Free CapabilitiesThe HMD allows users to see the display without needing to manipulate a device (i.e. take a phone from their pocket, or raise a smartwatch to a viewable angle).

“Ok Glass” - Voice commands are the primary input methods, meaning your thumbs can take a break from tapping touchscreens.

Glass can also use no-input functions, which operate automatically or augment other commands based on context and Ambient Intelligence systems.

So where does Glass belong?

Right now, Glass is a device for tech journalists and pioneering developers (Glass Explorers). We haven’t really seen the full effect of it’s applications in the real world, but we have a pretty good idea what to expect.

Does Glass have a place in Business?Well, it would be weird to see people walking around the office with Glass, since computers will still be more efficient and easily accessible. But for mobile/remote work, Glass can have some interesting applications:

• If you are working remotely, Glass makes it easy to show coworkers exactly what you see through picture/video sharing.

• The Glass display automatically projects new notifications directly into your line of sight.

• Google Glass can link to your phone to make calls and send messages hands-free.

How about at home?At home Glass will be competing with all of our other technology and media devices, and like our work computers, most of them are far more specialized, making it unlikely that we’ll be wearing Glass around the house as an all-in-one solution.

However, Glass will be relevant wherever hands-free would come in...uh...handy. For instance, imagine being able to read your kitchen recipes while up to the wrists in a mixing bowl, or display maintenance instructions while lying on your back under your car.

Where Glass really excels is on the go.● Search the internet fast via smartphone

tether or Wi-Fi ● Display directions in line of sight● Identify landmarks at a glance● Translate text ● Take pictures/videos of anything you see● Receive notifications for email and

respond with voice-to-text

Glass won’t replace your computer.It probably won’t even replace your smartphone. For anything that is more convenient to use your hands on, current solutions will prevail.

But there are a lot of ways that HMD, voice commands, and Ambient Intelligence can improve our efficiency, making certain tasks in certain situations both faster and easier, and those are the places where Google Glass will shine.

Google Glass Apps?

Software for Glass is in naming limbo, with most people assuming “Apps” is the right term, while Glass is pushing “Glassware” as the official term. I’m pretty sure Apps will prevail (sorry Glass marketing team). It won’t be long now before the floodgates open on glass app development, and we’ll be seeing more and more uses for our new face-computers. You can get ahead of the game by getting in touch with SDI, we’ll do demonstrations & Google Glass App idea consultations, providing our insights as to what the GDK is currently capable of.

Call 408.802.2885 or email team@sdi.la to set up a meeting!