Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Google Glass


Google Glass

http://youtu.be/IaU6DWb0yzs


Introduction

The idea of having everything you need in the blink of an eye has been talk for centuries. The idea of having a device that is able to provide all of those services is becoming all too real for the upcoming year. The product Google Glass is expected to hit the consumer market relatively soon. Google Glass will be the equivalent of a smartphone, although it will be integrated into a type of eye wear the user can wear.  Electronics News describes Google Glass as being “the latest addition to the emerging field of “ubiquitous computing” (UC) and is designed to fit comfortably into people’s lives.” (Tuffley, 2013) The idea of Google Glass gives numerous potential benefits. This product raises a few social and ethical concerns, but with further research will be able to hit the market in no time.
Background

Google Glass is “still in the hands of the developer, but soon to be released to everyday consumers” (Gold, 2013), says Network World. Google Glass is said to have the same capabilities as a smartphone, but just with better accessibility. This product is described as “a personal assistant that connects directly to the Web via WiFi, or tethers to a 3G or 4G smartphone via Bluetooth. Weighing less than a pair of sunglasses it is operating by touch and voice.” (Tuffley, 2013) With Google Glass being an almost hands free device, it will create a more active lifestyle with our technology. Users will no longer have to hold a device to keep in contact with social networks or other individuals. Glass will have the ability to “take photos and videos on command, allowing you to capture high-definition images and audio wherever you go.” (Tuffley, 2013)  The idea of One design shows the supporting frame being placed behind the head, embedding the hardware within the frame, with just a thin extension holding the glass piece and camera seen on the face.” (Presswire, 2013) Considering most of the everyday user would not want to wear this design, developers have been working on modifying it so it is more appealing to consumers.
However, along with designing Glass to be fashionable, Google has been mindful with the cost. “The price is estimated to be around $750 U.S. dollars” (Tuffley, 2013) according to Electronics News. That price has been lowered from thousands of dollars. This device will only be an option for the wealthier individuals and companies at first, but will soon be a universal concept affordable by all.
Security Concerns
           
            The main security concern raised by Google Glass is the fear of individual’s privacy being at risk. Knowing users can activate the camera and video settings with a simple saying or light touch of the lens is unsettling in the public eye. Electronics News states, “the fact that with Google Glass the user can take photos and videos on command has “privacy advocates” worried. Their concern is you could record people without their consent. “ (Tuffley, 2013) The fear of unconsented photographic recording also raises red flags for liability. Google Glass has expressed concern for this problem from the beginning and has realized it will be an area that will need a lot more perfecting before it can be sold to consumers. Even “the media has argued that Glass poses a serious threat to privacy, and some establishments, including casinos, strip clubs and one Seattle bar and grill; which have pre-emptively banned the devices.” (Gold, 2013) The fact that establishments have already banned this product from their businesses and it is not even released yet, should encourage further research on the security of Google Glass.
The fear of the software itself being unsecure is also of concern to developers. “Current developers that have access to Glass, have stated that it is easy to hack/tweak the operating system, allowing any potential breaching to occur. Glass runs a version of Google's Android operating system, so the similarities will make the headwear easy to work with for the large existing community of independent Android developers and modders.(Claburn, 2013) With the public having the knowledge that Glass has the ability to be hacked into, Google will need to work even harder in perfecting the security of the software.
Potential Benefits

            The potential benefits for Google Glass are practically endless. Electronics News releases, “The grand vision for the future is to make all of the world’s information “universally accessible and useful”.” (Tuffley, 2013) Without the strange design of how the user would wear the product, this device is a step below having brain implantations. As Electronics News boldly states, “This product was labeled one of 2012’s most important inventions and “the next big thing”.” (Tuffley, 2013) The release date for this hot product will be a big day for everyone, universally.
            Many developers believe, “The idea of incorporating Google Glass into eyewear itself would be the best way to market it for the average consumer.” (Presswire, 2013) Not only is it the best way to keep information accessible, but also “will be wearable for the everyday user.” (Presswire, 2013) Essentially, this product will be groundbreaking in its capabilities. For example, let’s say the user “passes a billboard for their favorite band, so they ask Glass to remind them to buy tickets. Arriving at their destination, they query the location of a friend, and they arrange to meet.” (Tuffley, 2013) Most smartphones have similar applications, but none that will measure up to what Glass applications will be able to do.
Social Implications
            Socially, Google Glass has been pinned to be “too socially awkward” (Zeman, 2013) for the user to wear. The uncomfortably tacky design creates a bulky feeling when in using the product. Informationweek states, “Google Glass may be one of the most interesting pieces of technology to come along in recent years, but the majority of Americans wouldn't be caught dead wearing them.” (Zeman, 2013) Google Glass is going to have to come up with a simple design that users can incorporate in their everyday lives.
            The fear of creating a social barrier due to the use of this device is a prominent revelation many developers are realizing. While the user and individuals around the user are able to tell when the camera is on by a small light indicating just that; no one will be able to tell when the Google Glass is use. "At best, they see a Glass user as someone who prioritizes information access over a personal connection with others. At worst, they fear social sleights of hand: researching topics, recording video or Googling a person in mid-conversation." (Zeman, 2013) Considering the idea of Glass was to allow a more active lifestyle, the result of also having a loss of personal connection is a social implication that will unintentionally be created.
Legal and Ethical Implications

            Many of the legal or ethical implications involved with Google Glass are the privacy settings, however few realize a potential GPS chip within the device or the ability for the device to impair driving. The concern with having a GPS chip within the device is the ability to determine the location of the wearer. (Tuffley, 2013) While knowing the location of the wearer could be used for pure intentions, such as finding a friend to meet up for coffee. The other intentions could be harmful, such as figuring out when a homeowner leaves their house so it is vacant for a successful home invasion.
            Secondly, the implication that this device could impair a driver on the road; due to the location of the device being in front of the eyes at all times. The use of the phone behind the wheel is illegal, but sadly, drivers still partake in talking of their phones anyways. The same idea can be used for the use of Google Glass behind the wheel. Users could look through their email while behind the wheel and cause harm to fellow drivers on the road. (Tuffley, 2013)
Further Research Required
           
            No product is absolutely perfect when first released. Google Glass will have few downfalls, but that is why further research is being done now and will continue to be refined in time to come. Some of the ideas that Google would like to incorporate into Glass will not be available until later; such as a facial recognition program, for doctors or first responders to use in the field for better medical care. (Claburn, 2013) It is not clear what else this technological advance program will be able to do, but there is talk that it will aid in privacy of the over all device too.
            Another concept that Google Glass will have to deal with in time is copycats; similar devices that will compete with their design. Electronics News states, “Along with the excitement of Google Glass, there are already cheaper clones being created, by Motorola, Sony, Epson, Chinese newcomer Baidu and others.” (Tuffley, 2013) Google will have to produce a way of being unique from all the other mediocre designs, in order to maintain the original ownership of the idea of Glass.
Conclusion

            The idea of a new groundbreaking product predicting to change the lifestyle of individuals, has a way of raising skepticism within society. Society was nervous for the first television and the first computer, but they slowly became more accepting. Society will need to be open-minded for this product to be able to use it to its full benefit. Google Glass will be the next big thing for centuries to come. Consumers will be able to have access to the world’s information, interact with people while using their Google Glass and even more. The scare for whether this device will be secure or intrude citizen’s privacy is valid but will be reduced by the time the product is released. Google Glass’s ultimate goal will be achieved and will encourage more technology developments.




















Bibliography
Claburn, T. (2013). Google glass alarms lawmakers. Informationweek -       Online, Retrieved from                                                                                                           http://search.proquest.com/docview/1352783660?accountid=14541

Lawmakers want answers from Google CEO Larry Page about the privacy implications of Google Glass. On Thursday, eight members of Congress sent a letter to Page asking how Google intends to protect public privacy in the face of Glass and whether Google intends to implement facial recognition technology in its computerized eyewear.

Gold, J. (2013). Google glass rooted already – and it’s really easy. Network                        World (Online), Retrieved from
Glass runs a version of Google’s Android operating system, so the similarities will make the headwear easy to work with for the large existing community of independent Android developers and modders. Root access provides users with a way to circumvent many of the Android operating system’s built-in safeties and restrictions – adding the ability to do more with the software at the cost of creating new security pitfalls for the unwary

New concept designs show 'fashionable' google glass. (2013, Mar 13). M2 Presswire.        Retrieved from             http://search.proquest.com/docview/1316137492?accountid=14541
“Google Glass is the hot product on every gadget lover’s mind, but let’s fact it, they’ve hardly put the time inot making it a desirable wearable product to the everyday consumer. Our designs show how, using technology available now, Google Glass could indeed be made into a much more fashionable product; ultimately making it likely for a wider portion of the consumer market to buy into it. Selling a product like this is all about making it easy to slot into everyday life, and if you don’t want to look like a robot, our designs show how this could be easily done.”

Project Glass. (2013, May 224). [Web log message].
Retrieved from https://plus.google.com/ projectglass/posts
Blog by Google with the most recent news and information on Google Glass; posts from developers and consumers feedback.

Rivington, J. (2013, April 25). Google glass: What you will need to know .
Retrieved from                               http://www.techradar.com/us/news/video/google-glass-what-you-need-to-know-1078114

But what exactly is Google Glass? Why is it attracting all this attention and what are the implications - both good and bad - of having a Google-eye view of the world?


Tuffley, D. (2013). Is google glass all it's cracked up to be? Electronics                                           News, Retrieved from             http://search.proquest.com/docview/1347405373?accounti=14541
Google] has a grand vision for the future: the company wants to make all of the world’s information “universally accessible and useful,” and with Google co-founder Sergey Brin as Glass]’s most avid champion, it’s not hard to see where all of this is going.


Zeman, E. (2013). Google glass 'socially awkward,' americans say. Informationweek -  
Google's 10 Best Gags, Pranks And Easter Eggs(click image for larger view and for slideshow) Blame it on Fred Armisen and that Google Glass-skewering Saturday Night Live skit. Google Glass may be one of the most interesting pieces of technology to come along in recent years, but the majority of Americans wouldn't be caught dead wearing them