We are fortunate to live in a time where technological innovation is the norm. We’re just now seeing the mobile phone, now smartphone, mature. The mobile phone was a game changer, it has changed present and future generations forever. It changed how we communicate, how we socialize, and is now as capable as a desktop computer. Though, the rain of the mobile phone will be short lived however. I believe the next big thing in tech is here and we will be fortunate enough to see it… literally. What future, you might ask? The future of head mounted displays and Google Glass. When you dive into the possibilities, you start to think…This is real James Bond shit! So, what exactly is Google Glass and do you need it? Did you need a mobile phone?

What is Google Glass

Google Glass at its base functionality is a head mounted display that uses a video camera and has WiFi capabilities. They work in conjunction to augment your reality with information overlaid through the mini display. I have read it will also be capable of some other pretty cool things.

Glass downloads information via WiFi and then pushes it onto the display. I envision any information you sync between your computer and your mobile device now, will also sync to your Glass. Right along with anything else in the Google database. You can also use Glass to take pictures and stream video content live to a Google hangout. It’s a world of endless possibilities where new ideas and concepts are being thought up every day.

Who will use Google Glass

I imagine everyone will use Glass differently. Someone who exercises via running may be able to see how many calories they burned through the display. A runner may also want to know how far until they hit their distance goal? A simple question to Glass, “Glass how much longer?”, might respond with the actual distance or maybe show it on the display. It will be interesting to see if companies like Nike develop custom apps for Glass

A doctor may use the camera to record procedures that will later be used to educate and teach medical students. I believe just about anyone will have a need for Google Glass, just how much?

Do you need Google Glass?

I believe there are a few things to consider. First, do you have approximately $1400 to drop on a head mounted display? Yes, it’s going to cost that much. I assume, since it will have WiFi capabilities, that you will need an additional data plan through your mobile service provider. I’m sure Verizon, AT&T, & Sprint will happily set you up with an additional data plan.

Do you mind wearing a head mounted display? If you don’t cringe at the idea of wearing a camera and mini display mounted to a pair of glasses, then Glass may be for you! I think Glass on the outside will add a level of style and sophistication, some groups of people will welcome it and some will despise it.

Do you work in tech or digital? If you do, then there’s a good chance that you will need to stay current with the latest technological advancements. There will be early adopters in every industry. I believe people will purchase Glass simply because they want to leverage new technology. The ability to have real time information streaming to the display will be a game changer. Along with having the ability to stream live video content to the internet. Glass will definitely give people who use it a competitive advantage. Imagine if you were one of the original tweeters who used Twitter from the beginning and were able to acquire thousands, if not millions of followers, simply because you were tweeting first. This new technology presents early adopters with greater insight and more leverage.

Security Implications

The Government and some businesses have already banned the use of Google Glass, for good reason too. Mind you, it’s not set to be released until the end of 2013 and laws are already being put into place restricting its use… Imagine an employee recording their day to day process and streaming it live to a Google Hangout, business owners will have to react. Before you decide you need Google Glass, think about how you will use it. If you plan on using Glass in public, then you probably won’t have any issues. Using it at work, in a business, or in a government building probably won’t fly.

I hope this article helps you decide whether or not you need Google Glass! Have something to add? Share it in the comments below.