Google Glass in the digital divide

http://www.bloomberg.com/video/the-digital-divide-created-by-google-glass-wz5sD3lyQPWz7LlYj7dgKg.html

The above link is to a video by Bloomberg that talks about how Glass has the potential to create a massive digital divide. Glass already doesn’t have many people keen to try the new technology with 72% of Americans not on board with Glass, as I’ve talked about previously in my blog. As we know the westerner world already has a digital divide with people from around the world due to many different reasons such as poverty, government laws, connectivity and location. If there was to be a divide in the western world it could possibly start with Google Glass. As is mentioned in the above video there will be a number of people that will get on board with glass straight away and people that don’t want a visual display constantly in front of their eyes.  

http://phillytrib.com/news/changing-focus-of-digital-divide.html

This article goes more in depth to the current digital divide going on currently. It also briefly mentions Google Glass and Google’s new driver-less car. Its and interesting article that might make you think differently about how society changes with technology. Do you think Glass will cause a stir in society? Do you think maybe one day only people with Glass will associate with other people with Glass?

Google Glass in the military

Google Glass has recently released a app that can allow shooters to shoot around corners whilst being hidden from return fire. The app is called ShotView and its been made by a Texas company called Tracking Point. The way the app works is that there is a camera in the guns scope that is connected via wifi to Glass, This can also be used through a smartphone or tablet. The app isn’t available to the public and Tracking point say that it most likely wont be ever. People that have tested the app say that you can hit targets up to 1,000 yards away.

Do you think this could be the first step to make super soldiers like in Jean Claude Van Damme’s Universal Soldier? Whats your take on using technology like this in warfare?

Read the article in full at http://rt.com/usa/163724-google-glass-shoot-around-corners/

Futuristic eye wear short film

This is an interesting short film about futuristic eyewear. This really pushes the boundaries on how we will use augmented eyewear in the future to interact socially. In this short film you can see what it would be like to create a augmented personalized environment, combining apps with daily routines and eve what it would be like to go on a blind date. Its a very interesting watch that will leave you being very curious or a bit concerned.

This is another cool video from TED talks. This guy, Chris Kluwe talks about using Google Glass to improve sport for the athletes and how it can make games more interesting for the viewers. I think this is a pretty cool idea but it makes you think that maybe it could take out some of the skill involved in sports. Using Glass to improve certain occupations I think is a good direction to take this technology in. Its already been tested in other sports such as golf and in other more serious jobs such as doctors and military. Do you have any ideas for occupations that could be improved by Glass?

Sergey Brin talks about his project “Google Glass”

This is a really good video from TED talks, it’s a great summary from the creator, Sergey Brin of Google Glass. He talks about certain social reasons which led him to think of Glass and there’s some great videos of Glass being used in almost any situation. It’s a really good watch if you still need convincing about getting on the Glass bandwagon.

Putting a ban on Google Glass

Even though Google Glass has only recently been released, some venues are already putting a ban on the new Google product. One group behind this are called “Stop The Cyborgs”. This group is against the idea of being under constant surveillance. The group has also starting making signs that can be downloaded from their blog for owners to display in their venues.

Some of the most common bans are happening in cinemas in the UK and the USA. Movie theater owners are worried that people will be able to bootleg the movies. Do you think the bans in both the movie theater and other venues such as cafes,bars etc. should be in place or do you think that people are being paranoid?

Is Google Glass a privacy concern?

Up to 72% of Americans refuse to wear Google Glass due to privacy concerns. Most of them are concerned about having their personal information hacked through their Glass and the other majority is concerned with being under surveillance without their consent. These issues are apparent but aren’t they already issues that could be applied to smartphone users? yet smartphone users are at an all time high. Google has already proved that it has good privacy and security in place with its Android OS for smartphones and with its online programs such as Google Drive and Google Docs. I believe that people will grow to accept the technology as it becomes mass adopted by the general public, and the myths and concerns will be put to rest just like they have been with previous technologies such as Pay Wave.

How It All Began

This blog will focus on the new product – Google Glass

But where did the technology that makes Google Glass originate from? It all started back with the original concepts of wearable augmented eyewear . The founding father of the wearable augmented eyewear was Professor Steve Mann. It was Steve’s life passion to be at the fore front of this technology and to make it enhance our everyday lives. He started experimenting in the 80’s, where he had a large computer in his backpack to run the then chunky prototype of his augmented reality eyewear called “Eyetap”. The Eyetap was the predecessor of Google Glass and Steve’s later versions look very similar to the current Google Glass, Below is an image of the evolution of the Eyetap and you can see how it became similar to Google Glass.