Report on Google Glass

Alexander Klocke

Group member: Gul Turgut

English C1; WiSe14/15

Instructor: David Martin

03.12.2014

Göttingen

Report on Google Glass limitations

Introduction

Our latest product Google Glass has absolved the beta phase. As a result of that we got a lot of feedback, which will help us to improve our product. The task of our team is to forecast the Google Glass’ potential for longevity. In order to that it was my job to analyze the limitations by itself and even to work the social hurdles out. Over the last weeks we gathered lots of ideas for improvements from our 10.000 “Explorers”.

Findings

To start with the technological impression, there is to say that the technological level is very low. Countless flaws led to nine updates since the release of the beta version, which means much effort for our customers to keep at the best available technology.

Another point is that the software seems to be quite poorly sophisticated. It is neither possible to edit photos nor to upload them to Instagram. The directory includes only 10 contacts while it has very weak capabilities anyway. Besides that there are struggles with the voice control while talking in loud areas what makes our Google Glass useless in such a situation.

Furthermore many consumers have complained about the weak battery, which only runs about 2 hours or 45 minutes of recording. Consequently our product is not made for workaday life.

In comparison to conventional glasses our product does not have hinges at the earpieces. Therefore it does not fit into a pocket what makes it quite bulky and difficult to handle.

According to most reviews we got back, Google Glass creates a socially awkward atmosphere. People around cannot see if they are recorded at a moment or not. That makes them feel very uncomfortable, influences their behavior and violates privacy.

Knowing that the “Explorers” felt uncomfortable as well, because somehow they had power over human’s behavior.

Due to the fact that nobody knows if he is filmed or not, theatres, casinos and even some bars have banned Google Glass.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Evaluated from the present day Google Glass would not be able to keep up with the market in long term. One reason for that is the high price.  Paying 1500$ for a poorly conceived gadget is too much, especially when it has no new properties. So it is unavoidable to lower the price. A price of 400$ would be fair, only judged on the products characteristics.

Referring to the software we definitely have to fix these flaws. A memory card could be a solution and would support the fundamental requirements – the record function.

To counteract the uselessness in loud areas, we should integrate kind of a visual keyboard into the glass.

To guarantee an intensive use, a better battery is unavoidable as well. Customers should be able to use at least it half a day.

Our product is quite bulky. For that reason we should increase the comfort. I would suggest that we produce Google Glass with hinges at the earpieces, so consumers can fold it and put it into a little case or their pocket. It costs only a few cents and would make a big difference.