The Verge has a great video of Joshua Topolsky trying out Google’s smartglasses. Here’s a bit from Steve Lee, Glass’ Product Director.
People want to be connected, and technology has enabled that. But a problem is that the technology creates distraction and takes you out of the moment.
[…]
How do we solve that problem? How do we get technology out of the way when you’re doing activities, but have it there when you need it?
At this point, Topolsky asks if this is a way to combat people glancing down at their phones all the time. Google’s answer?
A key part to us solving that problem is bringing technology closer to your senses.
That’s a big, bold statement, but Google’s project is big and bold. Here’s Topolsky:
The screen is not disruptive, you do not feel burdened by it. It is there and then it is gone. It’s not shocking. It’s not jarring. It’s just this new thing in your field of vision. And it’s actually pretty cool.
That’s good to hear. Two days ago, I wrote this:
The beauty of the iPhone is that you can leave it in your pocket.
Maybe Glass being off is like having your phone in your pocket after all, but I can’t reconcile having technology so close and so transparent at the same time.
But maybe I’m already too old to think this sort of thing is cool, or that it will work. There’s no doubt in my mind that Google Glass is pushing some serious boundaries, but I’m not sure what they’re pushing against is something I want moved.