Google Glass: The Tech You Love To Hate(?)

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Google_Glass_wearer

Tax Day (4.15.14) was the day to become a Glasshole part of Google’s Glass Explorer program.  For a mere $1500 any one was  able to purchase Glassware without an invite from The Goog.  The Explorer Bundle included a Glass headset, frames (optional), a mono earbud, your choice of sunglass frame, charger and a pouch.   Because most of us tech geeks already wear regular glasses, Google has made very basic hipster-like frames (offered for free yesterday,  regular retail cost *read: what I paid* $225), with a special cut out for the Glass head set.  Lenses for these frames can be ordered by searching through Google’s Preferred Provider Network of eyecare professionals.  These providers will custom fit your Glassware to your frames  enhancing your experience (Glass lenses are only available at a prescription up to +/-4).  There is also an option  (in NY or LA) to go to a Glass Boutique and have your Glassware fitted professionally which includes a short tutorial on all that things your new tech can do.

At first glance Google Glass seems a little overwhelming but it really is a very simple device; it fits your life.  What ever you are doing, GoogleGlass is there to record a memory, provide directions, share an experience through your eyes.  Since it’s introduction, more Glass applications have been developed; from the basics like Facebook and Twitter to new apps like Strava, an exercise app and AllTheCooks, a (you guessed it) cooking app.

I recently joined the realm of the Glass Explorer program via invite and I personally have some issues.  For starters, I don’t like the fact that there is no option to change display sides.  This Glass Explorer suffers from Keratoconus (a cornea disease that causes deterioration of vision) in my right eye but am able to see through my left with no problem.  Without a hybrid contact lens (or the purchase of said hipster frames), I would not be able to use Glass.

While I do think this may be where tech is going and appreciate Google’s attempt at putting its product into more hands, I do not think Google Glass is for everyone.  As a self-proclaimed tech geek I appreciate this tech while being skeptical at the same time.  Not everyone is embracing this technology and with the bad publicity Google has received since inception I can see why this ‘Glass For All’ sale happened.  Glass has been popular with early adopters while posing a privacy issue for both wearers and non-wearers alike.  Google has posted a list of general rules for Explorers to engage and make those around them more comfortable it seems. That hasn’t seemed to curb businesses from banning the tech or the reports of wearers being attacked both for and because of the headset.

Google is expected to announce more plans for Glass at I/O 2014.  Are any of you readers Explorers or did you take advantage of the ‘Glass For Everyone’ sale?  If so what are some of your gripes with Glass?  I’m intrigued to hear your thoughts.

 

Last Updated on November 27, 2018.

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