Glasses Gone Wild?

Google is known as the number one search engine across the world. They are constantly revolutionizing whatever industry they choose to enter, and their latest spectacle will hold that statement true. Google is introducing "Google Glass" - a new glasses design that accesses your Google account and provides the same ability to search for information right in front of your eyes. In addition to its general settings, Google Glass now provides an app that reads story headlines to you.

I am continuously amazed at the advancement in technology. Consumers can now access information on foot just by a few commands to their glasses. Imagine that! Improving sight while providing information at our fingertips. Google Glass brings a whole new meaning to virtual reality by being able to read breaking news reports or having them read to you by the program itself. The glasses are expected to be released to the public in 2014 at $1,500 a pair. That certainly is a heavy price to pay for a pair of glasses.

I'm all for innovation and advanced technology, after all I do consider myself a man of the millenium, however this invention has me scratching my head. My first problem is its purpose. Why do people need to have information accessed from their glasses when they can just as easily turn to their phones or computers? I understand that looking on the computer takes longer, but we carry our phones with us all the time anyway, so how would this introduce additional benefits. The way I look at it is it being hazardous to people on the road. Reading maps and stories while walking or driving is a distraction and takes away the attention of the consumer from his/her environment. As someone who wears glasses, I couldn't picture myself walking down the street and having a giant map in front of my face while trying not to walk into pedestrians. It's just too complicated.

The other problem I have with Google Glass is the hefty price that consumers are expected to pay. $1,500, really? If I want to buy a pair of glasses the most I would pay is $300 for a fancy frame. I don't believe it is necessary to purchase glasses with an additional feature that we already acces on our phones on a daily basis. The combined price of an Android or iPhone and a pair of glasses should be $500 AT MOST! I like where Google's head is at in terms of introducing revolutionizing products, but I can't see too many people buying this one. Glasses are supposed to be simple and overcomplicating it will provide a cluster of junk to our sight. Sorry Google, but some things just aren't meant to be.

Article: http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/new-york-times-google-glass-app-reads-stories-you-148946