A Case Study of The technology of Google Glass Quan Shi

Google Glass: Google Glass is supposed to be used in combination with a smartphone and one of its main uses is to display notifications in a convenient and quick way. Weight: 50g Processing: 1.2 GHz Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU, PowerVR SGX540 GPU, 16GB storage, 682MB RAM. roughly equivalent to the hardware of an IPhone 4 Camera: 5MP still (2528x1856 pixels) or 720p video.There is no flash Display: It is a color prism projector with a resolution of 640x360 pixels. Sensors: microphone, accelerometer, gyroscope and compass. Interaction: There is a long an narrow touch pad which supports swipe and tap gestures. Audio: There is a bone conduction transducer for audio. Google Glass developer version

Part I: The strenths of Google Glass  Many functions: Sending text messages, drafting s, searching the web, snapping pictures; provide you detailed information and satisfactory results on your queries.  Keep calendar events, information, contacts updated on Glass.  Hands-free camera that shoots photos and video through voice commands (camera display, equivalent to a 25” HD display from eight feet away, sporting a 5MP photo capabilities and 720p video)  Easier navigation and maps or a piece of information through Google’s search engine will be provided  Glass is sleek, light and easily wearable. It is always awaiting your command and connected to the web like mobile phones.  A forward-looking novelty item (make you look hi-tech and updated on technology and create an impressive impact on people)

Part II: The Weaknesses of Google Glass (1) Image can be a bit unclear, especially depending on lighting, and sometimes the Wi- Fi connectivity is suboptimal Glass’ short battery life depleted in less than an hour (a little inconvenient) Stability is an issue, as each time it sleeps, Glass needs to resync, with no error message indicating why the device had shut down Glass doesn’t distinguish between different voices (there is no recognition of the wearer’s voice personally) No indication while clicking pictures Google Glass does not eliminate, distractive cognitive demands during driving. Phone hardware limitations can be an issue.

Part II: The Weaknesses of Google Glass (2) The problems with the quality and reliability of video calls Google Glass does not have a very sturdy design for consumers. It is not made for rough environments such as industrial sites or factories. Glass may curtail your natural peripheral vision (dangerous because it may create blind spots undermine safety when driving or walking) No public privacy concern (leaking out information) The connectivity isn’t stable enough to rely upon yet Glass users may feel eye strain or develop a headache when wearing the device (the potential negative impact)

Threats of the technology Replaced by other cheaper and similar devices with two displays (Oculus Rift) Competition is on pace. The future might bring a contact lens version of Glass. Google will work on developing solutions to these issues Other Smart Glasses (Reckon MOD; Bruckner TRAVIS) Part Ⅲ : Threats of Google Glass New Technology: Cast AR. A projector creating a 3D image

Part Ⅳ : Opportunities for Google Glass The hardware that will be available in the near future Large investments into research and development of the technology (the entertainment industry, military and businesses can benefit from it) In cinemas, at the workplace, in entertainment systems or as always connected companion device Commercial billboards and advertisement posters could be enhanced with video (high consumer demand) The tool can become part of day-to-day experience

Further Applications: Different possible applications: documentation, productivity, universal remote control, medical, education, entertainment, commerce and sports eg: Surgeons see future applications for Google Glass: The device has the potential to enhance intraoperative consultations, and view X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images without leaving the operating table Communication (Laryngoscope 125: October 2015: Using Google Glass to Solve Communication and Surgical Education Challenges in the Operating RoomThe American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.) Google Glass—with its video camera lens perched-allows for real-time transmission of exactly what the surgeon is seeing Teaching and training As an instant messaging and video chat platform Google Glass-equipped surgery was transmitted to an iPad and viewed by two students The Google Glass-assisted rhinoplasty could create simulations for training