Is Google Glass a toy or a tool?
Few people really know what to do with Google Glass. Some are shunning it as a useless toy while others have embraced it whole heartedly. Now parodies and videos recorded with the glasses are popping up all over the internet, including a recent one with an adorable two-year-old toddler. Is Google Glass just a techie toy or could it be something more?
Through the Eyes of a Babe
When the two-year-old son of Chris Angelini puts on the glasses, his immediate response is “Look at my cool glasses!” He even toddles into the hallway and tells his momma about it. The intrepid young techie gets juice with Daddy, then goes to his toys to show them off. Father and son even toss a ball and at the end, the junior Angelini says, “They’re hot”. Apparently the glasses got warm from usage. Or perhaps he just meant they were cool? In either case, he was impressed, at least as much as a two year old can be.
Cute toddlers aside, Angelini proves, quite by accident, a great range of possibilities for the newest and albeit exorbitantly expensive gadget (~$1,500).
Business Possibilities
Imagine giving a presentation in front of a client or a major speech and being able to record it, crystal clear and in exact focus. Later, you can review the recording for audience reactions and discern the pulse of your audience. Record your presentations in real time with video to go along with it and share online through popular sites like LinkedIn or Facebook. Never miss an audience question or reaction as long as you’re looking in the right direction.
Personal Uses
For personal uses, you can easily record family interactions and make fun videos. Never miss a moment of that birthday party or special event. No more missing an important moment, just keep staring and don’t worry about checking your video equipment. Other sample videos have been recorded by pilots in flight, from hot air balloons and more.
Not Everyone Is Thrilled
Of course, for every post or video about the benefits of Google Glass, there’s always going to be an opposite viewpoint. One video, The Hard Truth about Google Glass states “with less capabilities than the smart phone in your pocket, this isn’t anything more than a vanity attachment to let the world know you are a complete tool who wasted $1,500 and have no idea what it means to be present.”
While the glasses aren’t available yet for purchase, Google did announce on May 22, 2013 that it would be shipping 8,000 glasses to the winners of the Google Explorer program. As with any new technology, not everyone will immediately embrace the possibilities and opportunity but for the brave few willing to experiment, Google Glass might be a fun new tool full of unexplored possibilities.
