Google Glass failed for now but the technology still has hope

Summary

The video discusses the evolving landscape of smart glasses, focusing on Google Glass and its challenges in the consumer market. Despite setbacks like bad press and low sales, there is optimism for its use in professional sectors, such as healthcare. The transcript highlights the success of apps like AugMedics, which enhance doctor-patient interactions, and contrasts this with the broader industry push towards smart glasses in sectors like government and military. It also covers competing products like ODG’s industrial glasses and their potential for consumer use. While Google Glass pauses its consumer push, the future of smart glasses remains promising, especially in augmented reality applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Google Glass faced challenges in the consumer market due to privacy concerns and negative press, leading to its shelving.
• 😀 The initial hype around Google Glass shifted from being seen as innovative to a device worn by 'tech weirdos'.
• 😀 Professional applications of Google Glass, like medical note-taking, have seen success despite consumer failure.
• 😀 AugMedix is an app for Google Glass used by doctors to take notes during consultations, allowing them to focus more on patients.
• 😀 AugMedix is currently used in 37 clinics across the U.S., with over 99% of patients opting for it due to its benefits.
• 😀 Technology, such as Google Glass, often finds success first in enterprise markets before reaching consumers, as seen with smartphones and tablets.
• 😀 Google has paused its consumer-focused Google Glass strategy, opting for a reset approach while the competition for professional smart glasses continues.
• 😀 ODG, a competitor to Google, has developed industrial-grade smart glasses for specific sectors like government, military, and industry.
• 😀 ODG plans to release a consumer-grade version of its smart glasses, with features like a smaller, lighter frame and a more affordable price point.
• 😀 ODG's smart glasses include augmented reality capabilities, such as displaying 3D designs and real-time information like bus delays.
• 😀 Gartner predicts that by 2018, over 25 million head-mounted displays will have been sold, signaling the growing interest in smart glasses.

Q & A

What were the main reasons behind the failure of Google Glass in the consumer market?

The main reasons for Google Glass's failure in the consumer market included bad press, a public stigma that labeled early adopters as 'tech weirdos,' and the perception that the device was invasive with its camera always in view. These issues, combined with low sales, forced Google to pause its consumer-focused efforts.

How did early adopters of Google Glass experience public reactions?

Early adopters of Google Glass faced negative public reactions, including harassment. For example, TechCrunch writer Kyle Russell had the device ripped from his face and smashed. Additionally, some bars banned the use of Google Glass due to concerns about privacy and its surveillance capabilities.

Why did Google Glass fail to gain widespread consumer acceptance?

Google Glass failed to gain consumer acceptance due to its design and the public's discomfort with wearing a camera on their face, which led to privacy concerns. The stigma around wearing the device and its limited usefulness for the average consumer also contributed to its lack of popularity.

What is *Augh Medics*, and how does it utilize Google Glass?

*Augh Medics* is an app that works with Google Glass to assist doctors by automatically taking notes during patient consultations. This allows doctors to focus more on interacting with their patients rather than being distracted by note-taking, improving patient care.

In what sectors is *Augh Medics* being used, and how widespread is its adoption?

*Augh Medics* is currently used in 37 clinics across the United States, mainly in the healthcare sector. It is seen as a way to enhance efficiency in clinical settings by allowing doctors to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks.

What does the example of smartphones and tablets suggest about the future of smart glasses?

The example of smartphones and tablets suggests that, like these devices, smart glasses may first gain traction in professional and enterprise markets before reaching consumers. These technologies were initially adopted by industries and service workers before becoming mainstream among consumers.

How does ODG (Osterhout Design Group) differ from Google in its approach to smart glasses?

ODG has focused on creating smart glasses for industrial, government, and military sectors, while Google initially targeted the consumer market. ODG's smart glasses are designed to be more durable and functional for specific professional needs, and they have a planned consumer version at a significantly lower price point.

What are the key features of ODG's industrial smart glasses?

ODG's industrial smart glasses have features such as a see-through optical system, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and powerful video capabilities. They are designed to be mobile yet as powerful as high-end tablets, allowing users to interact with augmented reality without being fully immersed in a virtual environment.

What is augmented reality, and how does ODG's smart glasses use it?

Augmented reality (AR) enhances the real world by overlaying digital information onto physical environments. ODG's smart glasses use AR to provide users with information in real-time, such as displaying building designs in context, showing bus schedules on signs, or playing videos when users look at posters.

What predictions did research firm Gartner make about the future of head-mounted displays?

Gartner predicted that by 2018, more than 25 million head-mounted displays, including smart glasses, would be sold. This suggests a growing market for wearable technology, especially in professional and industrial applications.