When Google Glass first launched in April 2013 the accessory was only available to a selected audience, which understandably created a buzz around the mystery of the Google Glass. Google first targeted and invited developers to test their Google Glass at a price of $1,500 (£1,000) per headset. Following this release, it was then made available to Citizens of the USA and UK for a limited 24 hours on 15th April, and was then fully released a month later, still being sold with the pricey label that was pitched to developers. The headset is available in five different colours (Charcoal, tangerine, shale, cotton and sky) and can be used with a number of different frames, which are also sold by Google.
What does Google Glass do?
For £1,000, it must be pretty amazing, right? Google Glass has a unique concept. Google describes the product as ‘Smart eyewear that helps you get exactly what you want, in the moment.’ Google Glass allows you to set reminders, check the weather, dictate texts, use maps, capture photos and videos and much more, all just using Google’s glasses. They are especially ideal for taking photos and videos in situations where you may not be able to hold or focus a camera.
You can take a look at what life looks like through Google Glass below!
http://web.archive.org/web/20160201120511/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1uyQZNg2vE
Problems with Google Glass:
Apart from the obvious security issues that the product can cause to arise, users of the product have also noted a few other problems. Some have reported headaches (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-27485628), to which Google recommends that beginners use Google Glass in intervals as their brain and eyes adapt.
Another commonly reported issue with Google Glass is battery duration. Google claims that a pair of the glasses has an average battery life of a day, but users say they usually only last a couple of hours. Of course, like any other product, the duration of battery life depends on what you are using it for. For example, if you are taking lots of videos, the battery will run down sooner. This isn’t ideal if you’re out and about, which is really what the product was designed for. On a more positive note, the batteries in Google Glass are quite small, so it only takes less than 2 hours to re-charge them to 100%. (http://www.techradar.com/reviews/gadgets/google-glass-1152283/review/7)
Personally, I have never used Google Glass. However, from what I have read I feel like there are still a lot of adjustments and improvements which need to be made to the product in order for me to consider buying it. I think £1,000 is too expensive for the capability which the glasses have to date, but as they develop they could become a massive thing in the future, especially as people get used to seeing their unusual look!
So, would you pay all that money to see life through the eyes of Google?
