Alexander Klocke
Group member: Gul Turgut
English C1; WiSe14/15
Instructor: David Martin
03.12.2014
Göttingen

Report on Google Glass limitations

Introduction
Our latest product Google Glass has absolved the beta phase. As a result of that we got a lot of feedback, which will help us to improve our product. The task of our team is to forecast the Google Glass’ potential for longevity. In order to that it was my job to analyze the limitations by itself and even to work the social hurdles out. Over the last weeks we gathered lots of ideas for improvements from our 10.000 “Explorers”.

Findings
To start with the technological impression, there is to say that the technological level is very low. Countless flaws led to nine updates since the release of the beta version, which means much effort for our customers to keep at the best available technology.
Another point is that the software seems to be quite poorly sophisticated. It is neither possible to edit photos nor to upload them to Instagram. The directory includes only 10 contacts while it has very weak capabilities anyway. Besides that there are struggles with the voice control while talking in loud areas what makes our Google Glass useless in such a situation.
Furthermore many consumers have complained about the weak battery, which only runs about 2 hours or 45 minutes of recording. Consequently our product is not made for workaday life.
In comparison to conventional glasses our product does not have hinges at the earpieces. Therefore it does not fit into a pocket what makes it quite bulky and difficult to handle.
According to most reviews we got back, Google Glass creates a socially awkward atmosphere. People around cannot see if they are recorded at a moment or not. That makes them feel very uncomfortable, influences their behavior and violates privacy.
Knowing that the “Explorers” felt uncomfortable as well, because somehow they had power over human’s behavior.
Due to the fact that nobody knows if he is filmed or not, theatres, casinos and even some bars have banned Google Glass.

Conclusion and Recommendation
Evaluated from the present day Google Glass would not be able to keep up with the market in long term. One reason for that is the high price. Paying 1500$ for a poorly conceived gadget is too much, especially when it has no new properties. So it is unavoidable to lower the price. A price of 400$ would be fair, only judged on the products characteristics.
Referring to the software we definitely have to fix these flaws. A memory card could be a solution and would support the fundamental requirements – the record function.
To counteract the uselessness in loud areas, we should integrate kind of a visual keyboard into the glass.
To guarantee an intensive use, a better battery is unavoidable as well. Customers should be able to use at least it half a day.
Our product is quite bulky. For that reason we should increase the comfort. I would suggest that we produce Google Glass with hinges at the earpieces, so consumers can fold it and put it into a little case or their pocket. It costs only a few cents and would make a big difference.
A very important aspect is the privacy. If we are not able to change the way people react to our product, we won’t be able to achieve big sales. Integrating a little flashlight at the case could probably communicate the “on-mode” and another one the record function.
In this way nobody would have to be afraid of being filmed unknowingly.
Moreover we should offer Google Glass with more basics like a music player or a phoning function to attract more customers.
In my opinion we should wait with the final release to invest more time into the product.
In addition to that we should carefully manage the expectations for Google Glass. The market needs to know that the first edition won’t be polished as an Iphone yet.
Technical improvements combined with lower expectations could lead to exceeded expectations, which would have higher sales and a better image as a result.

Sources

1. Corbyn, Z. (2014, April 6). Google Glass – Wearable tech, but would you wear it? Retrieved December 1, 2014, from http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/apr/06/google-glass-technology-smart-eyewear-camera-privacy

2. Glass-explorers - Glass Press. (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2014, from https://sites.google.com/site/glasscomms/glass-explorers

3. Labarre, S. (Ed.). (n.d.). 4 Problems Google Glasses Have To Solve Before Becoming A Hit. Retrieved December 3, 2014, from http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669455/4-problems-google-glasses-have-to-solve-before-becoming-a-hit

4. Wakefield, J. (2013, May 6). Google Glass - friend or foe? Retrieved December 1, 2014, from http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-21699307