User:Kazizzle

''' Introduction '''

             Imagine a device that allows you to film, take pictures, search and translate simply with the blink of an eye. Imagine a device that essentially has everything you need in your field of vision. Although the concept of the wearable computer is not entirely new itself, this device is quite remarkable and innovative. It is known as Google Glass (styled GLΛSS) and it is expected to hit the shelves in the near future. James Rivington describes Glass as “an attempt to free data from desktop computers and portable devices like phones and tablets.” Basically, Glass is a camera, display, touchpad, battery and microphone designed to look like glasses (Rivington, 2013). This paper will discuss the background of the product and look at its potential benefits. In addition, it will investigate the legal and ethical issues, security concerns, social problems and further required research.

 Background 

             Google has been familiar with wearable computers for quite some time now. The idea of Glass was conceived back in 1998 when the company’s founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, met with Thad Starner, a current advisor working on Project Glass (Thompson, 2013). Brin stated in a TED Talk that the vision behind Glass was to introduce the ultimate future of connecting individuals with information (TED, 2013). According to David Tuffley, Glass is the latest addition to the emerging field of “ubiquitous computing” (UC), which is basically computing made to appear everywhere and anywhere. Although Glass is currently in beta, it is being tested publicly and will soon be available in the consumer market (Zeman, 2013). Glass serves as a “personal assistant” that connects directly to the Web via WiFi, or tethers to a 3G or 4G smartphone via Bluetooth (Tuffley, 2013).

             According to Clive Thompson, Google started selling Glass this spring. Two thousand were given to software developers and 8,000 went to people who submitted short descriptions of what they’d do with Glass; those selected paid $1,500 for it. In a sense, Glass will promote a more active and somewhat healthier lifestyle with technology. For example, Glass users will have the pleasure of connecting with people through various networks by mainly using their voice and occasionally, their hands. Glass can capture high-definition images and audio on command, anytime and anywhere (Tuffley, 2013). According to Google, the display is "the equivalent of a 25-inch high definition screen from eight feet away.” Another remarkable feature is its ability to translate the words being spoken by the user into the user’s own language on the display (Rivington, 2013).

''' Potential Benefits '''

             The list of potential benefits of having Glass is virtually endless and overwhelming. The developers at Google have a simple vision: to create a device that is “universally accessible and useful” (Tuffley, 2013). The most appealing feature of Glass is its simplicity; it is essentially hands-free, which allows its users to experience more around them. David Tuffley states that Glass was labeled one of 2012’s most important developments and is probably “the next big thing.” The concept and development of Glass might foreshadow a new approach towards mobile communication (Rivington, 2013).

             Presswire states that integrating a wearable computer with eyewear would be the “best way to market it for the average consumer.” Therefore, selling this product as eyewear would make it easy to slot into everyday life (Presswire, 2013). Tuffley uses this example to demonstrate how useful and convenient Glass can be: someone passes by a billboard for their favorite band, so they ask Glass to remind them to buy tickets. After the user arrives at their destination, they ask for the location of a friend and then they arrange to meet (Tuffley, 2013). Although smartphones and tablets have these capabilities, they cannot compare to Glass’ simplicity and convenience.

''' Legal and Ethical Issues '''

             With a technological advancement such as Glass, there is bound to be an investigation into the legal and ethical implications. The most protruding concern with Glass seems to be its privacy settings. For example, the GPS chip installed in Glass can determine the exact location of a user (Tuffley, 2013). This feature could be harmful if someone has the wrong intentions, such as locating an individual and stalking or kidnapping him or her. Another issue with Glass is that it could severely impair driving skills. The device is worn directly over the eyes, causing an inevitable distraction for the driver. Similar to how cell phone use is prohibited while driving, using Glass behind the wheel would also have to be restricted. Unfortunately, people break such laws and therefore, significantly increase the risk of fatal accidents.

 Security Concerns 

             Currently, the main concern with Glass is how it can threaten an individual’s privacy. The fact that Glass users can capture a picture or film with a simple phrase or touch is quite displeasing, especially amongst crowds of people. However, product director Steve Lee stated that Google designed Glass so that it provides "a very clear cue to people around you when glass is active: the display lights up, not only for me but others can see that as well" (Claburn, 2013). Even so, people are still bothered by the fact that Glass users can record and snap a picture of people without their consent (Tuffley, 2013). Another issue with Glass is its unsecure software. Basically, it is not entirely clear how much permission will matter when it comes to Glass (Claburn, 2013). Glass can be hacked and rooted and Google showed developers how to do so (Claburn, 2013).

''' Social Problems '''

             With any new technological development comes polarized public opinion – people either love or hate it, with no middle ground. Bite Interactive conducted a survey that collected responses from 1,000 people in the U.S. (Zeman, 2013). Its aim was to see how Americans felt about wearing Glass in public. The study revealed that only one out of 10 Americans would wear Google Glass regularly (Zeman, 2013). The main reason behind this was that wearing Glass would be “too socially awkward" (Zeman, 2013).  According to Joseph Farrell, executive VP of operations at Bite Interactive, Glass creates a “profound social barrier for the average consumer" (Zeman, 2013). He goes on to states that Glass user could be “perceived as someone who prioritizes information access over a personal connection with others.” Therefore, people fear that Glass might become just another screen that comes between people (Thompson, 2013).

''' Further Required Research '''

             Every new technological model is flawed in its early stages of developments. Needless to say, Glass will experience a few bumps in the road. However, research is still in progress in order to refine and tweak the blueprint of this extraordinary device. For example, Google would like to integrate features such as a facial recognition program into Glass. This would be a valuable tool for doctors and other medical professionals to improve healthcare (Claburn, 2013).

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%">             With something as high profile as Glass, it is inevitable that other major companies will sense some competition (Rivington, 2013). Apple and Microsoft are Google's two most prominent rivals; rumor has it that they are working on their own counterparts (Rivington, 2013). Competition can be healthy and a key motivator in improving performance. This is why developers at Google should try to maintain a unique model that will separate Glass from the rest and maintain its originality.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;line-height:200%">''' Conclusion '''

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%">             Without a doubt, Google Glass is an entirely “cool and novel concept.” It exceeds people’s expectations for the future of technology. As mentioned, any new technological advancement will be scrutinized but with time, people will accept and appreciate it. For example, people were hesitant to utilize the first computer, but now society has become highly dependent on all sorts of computers and mobile devices. Indeed, Google Glass will eventually become “the next big thing” (Tuffley, 2013). Glass will enable people to connect with information and interact with people in a completely different and refreshing way. It is safe to say that Glass has introduced a new era of technological developments, which will, ideally, make the world a smaller and more familiar place for its citizens.