Looking through the Google Glass
There’s a scene at the beginning of Terminator 2 when Arnie walks into a bar naked. The camera moves to the first person and we see what the Terminator sees.
He’s scanning people to see if their clothes will fit him. The display automatically recognises clothing items and sizes, providing real time feedback.
It was augmented reality at its ‘90s best, but it was technology that was firmly anchored in science fiction.
Twenty years on we may have something even better, Google Glass. However, as with the Terminator, and perhaps wisely, there are fears about the application of this new technology.
There will always be opportunities for abuse. Privacy violations through illicit recordings seem to be one of the main concerns. Someone’s already been ejected from a restaurant in Seattle whilst wearing Google Glass.
Will we see ‘No GG’ zones in the future? Perhaps users will be banished to play with the naughty smokers in the back alleys of fine dining establishments.
Then there’s the issue of maintaining attention on attention critical activities. Could Google Glass be a distraction that impairs reaction times resulting in harm to oneself and others? An arrest has already been made in the US for someone driving under the influence. Will usage whilst driving become a punishable offence?
Despite the obvious issues there are other potential longer-term consequences.
If information is so readily and easily available, will it impact our memory functions? Could it adversely affect our ability to interact in the real world without digital assistance? Might technology that evolves faster than we can appropriate wisely, result in an over reliance and subsequent weakening in our nascent abilities?
Big questions with no answers, yet.
But then there’s the other side. Our multiscreen world requires us to regularly inhabit a virtual space eschewing the real world. These screens, despite their many positives, separate us from reality. Google Glass could reconnect you albeit to an enhanced reality, allowing you to move from the multiscreen digital world into a symbiotic no-screen digital world.
With this seamless merging comes huge opportunities. As an immersive learning tool, doctors are already live streaming surgical procedures to medical students.
As a hands free gateway to the digital world, providing valuable access to key functionalities for people with mobility issues. As a contextual social tool, allowing participation in digital social networks whilst in a real social network.
It’s also a powerful content creation device. How long will it be before we see the first Google Glass made movie or the first live movie? The sheer breadth of potential uses is staggering.
One app gives us the best glimpse of what’s to come. Word Lens translates foreign words into your native language as you look at them. There is even voice recognition being developed that could translate actual voice input. That trip to Japan has suddenly become a lot more accessible and fun.
Despite the unprecedented prelaunch hyperbole, its true potential is still unknowable. Similar to smart phones, the possibilities will only be realised when people begin adopting its new language of interaction, and when developers start developing apps that play to this behaviour.
It’s certainly an exciting sign of things to come and the beginning of the era of connected screen-less devices.
Another piece of technology that’s as exciting as Google Glass is the new headset being developed by Emotiv. It detects your brainwaves, which can then be used to control other digital devices.
Experiments using the device to remotely controlling model helicopters or to create simple drawings have been hugely impressive.
But let’s take it a step further. Emotiv + Google Glass. Imagine content, information and functionalities being delivered to your eyes as soon as you think it. It’s something that could make even the Terminator feel obsolete.
Nitin Mistry is creative director at Orchard.
Please login with linkedin to comment
Latest News
TV Ratings (18/04/2024): I’m A Celebrity Wins Prime Time And Key Demos
Aussie viewers can be a harsh lot at times. Only days after Ellie Cole bled her heart out, she has been sent packing.
Effie&co Launches New ConnectAsia Division To Help Aussie Brands Market To Asian Consumers Overseas & At Home
Not provided is advice on using chopsticks and not spilling ramen down your shirt.
Cashrewards Sets Out Stall For New CMO
Thinking of applying for the Cashrewards CMO gig? Here are some insider tips that, yes, are tantamount to cheating.
‘I Ask For The TV Industry To Stand Up And Defend Itself’ – Seven Boss James Warburton Steps Down
The Seven supremo heads for the exits after five years. Here's hoping the Spotlight team organised the farewell bash.
Poh! Jamie! Adriano! Paramount ANZ reveals its tasty plans for this year’s MasterChef
It's your fan's guide to this year's MasterChef! Although no tips on how to pronounce crudités or use a un fait-tout.
Dentsu’s iProspect Partners With MOOD Tea Ahead Of May Campaign Launch
We love a Mood Tea here at B&T. Although we do store old screws and nails in the International Roast caterer's tin.
Opinion: When Culture Starts Eating Itself: Navigating The Age Of Self-eating Nostalgia
Born boss David Coupland asks is adland going through a nostalgia period? But please, no repeats of Best Of Red Faces.
Who’s Going To Cannes?! The TikTok Young Lions Winners!
It's Aussie adland's next gen! They're off to Cannes with high hopes of bringing back a Lion & a foot-long Toblerone.
Adobe Launches Express Mobile App With Firefly AI
Want to be the coolest kid at Friday staff drinks but forgot your retro Nikes? This new Adobe wizardry may do the trick.
ThinkNewsBrands & IMAA Extend News Publishing Education In Brisbane
Industry duo takes its publishing roadshow to Brisbane. Was disappointed no male attendees were wearing walk socks.
B&T Chats With Wavemaker’s Provocative Pioneers On Their Cross-Pacific Sojourn
B&T TV heads to Wavemaker's Sydney digs to interview two staffers from its New York & LA digs. If that makes sense?
HoMie & Champion Launch “Give One. Get One” Campaign Supporting Youth Homelessness Via Town Square
Much like the fête's prized chutney wears a blue winners sash, so too should this top initiative from HoMie & Champion.
Thinkerbell Takes Us Back To Summer In Latest Work For XXXX
This beer ad wants to take you back to summer! Just minus any chance of a shark attack on your morning bus commute.
Cannes Lions Unveils 2024 Programme Featuring Queen Latifah, Jay Shetty & P&G’s Mark Pritchard
Are you one of the lucky ducks heading to Cannes in June? Check out the headliner acts you'll be queueing hours to see.
Scroll Media Recruits Costa Panagos From Twitch
Costa Panagos set to bring South American flair to the Scroll offices. Assuming that he is, indeed, South American.
Year13, Microsoft & KPMG Australia Launch AI Course For Gen Zs
Born around the 2000s? Need to amp up your AI creds? This guide's for you (although it's not really that age specific).
General Motors Snares Heath Walker From Scania
Do you rage about oversized American cars on our roads? You need to bail up Heath Walker at parties & industry events.
VML Launches New “Envoyage” Brand For Flight Centre
VML unveils new brand for travel operator Flight Centre. Alas, no sign of those paid actors pretending to be pilots.
Subaru Places Media Account Up For Review
Subaru puts media up for review, as adland journos get set for mandatory "agency drives off with..." headline.
TV Ratings (17/04/2024): Contestants Faced With Harsh Realities As Alone Australia Heats Up (Or Cools Down)
Alone still doing the business for SBS. Overly long train journeys not doing the business, but they persist anyway.
Ben Fordham Loses Number One Spot As Ray Hadley Celebrates 156th Ratings Win
The radio numbers are in! Discover who's off for a boozy lunch today & who's waiting for the dreaded HR death knock.
Gourmet Ice Cream Brand Connoisseur Launches New “Thrill Your Senses” Iteration, Via SICKDOGWOLFMAN
Rattling the old "truth in advertising" adage comes this ice-cream spot full of noticeably thin people.
Paramount’s Global Sales Boss: ‘Australia’s Converged Model Is A Blueprint For How I’d Like All Of Our Markets To Be’
Paramount's global sales boss gives local sales ops the thumbs up. Didn't weigh-in on the Lisa Wilkinson debacle.
TikTok Starts Testing Its Instagram Rival In Australia
In exciting news for piano playing cats & brattish pranks in shopping centres, TikTok unveils its Insta rival plans.
Man Wrongly Named By Seven As Bondi Killer Hires Lawyers
Struggling to save for a house deposit? Why not get wrongly identified by Sunrise!
Smartsheet Appoints Indie Agency Sandbox Media To Its Media Account
Can't stand your colleagues? Like to dob them in when they miss a deadline? These work management platforms are ideal.
Boss Not Letting You Come To Cannes In Cairns? Use This Business Case To Convince Them!
Stingy boss won't spring for a ticket to Cairns? Add this to your persuasive argument repertoire. Or grovel.
Alt/shift/ Brisbane Builds Portfolio With Ausbuild Creative, PR, Content & Social Account Win
The Brisbane comms/PR agency lands constructor Ausbuild. Also hoping for a discount on its new glass conservatory.
Young Guns Versus The Old Guard: Who Adds More Value to Our Industry?
Cannes In Cairns poking this hornet's nest in a lively debate. Just so long as the oldies can get up the stairs.
70% Of Aussies Don’t Have Green Power Plans ENGIE Says In Major Brand Campaign Via HERO
Are you the notorious "light leaver on-er" in your flatshare? Quell any infighting with this green energy news.
PrettyGood Launches Offering Brand & Media Solutions For Australasian SMEs
B&T applauds the charitable nature of this new agency. Although we'd hate to see it impact any Chrissie present sends.
A Blunt End: Dolphins Medicinal Cannabis Sponsorship At Risk
Yes, it's another NRL drug story. Yet, thankfully it doesn't involve coke in Kuta during the off-season.
Slew Of New Creative Hires At Leo Burnett Australia
Ahhh, all black! The outfit of choice for agency creatives, David Jones staff and everyone in Melbourne.
Under Armour Unveils Local “Live in UA” Campaign
American apparel brand set for yet another tilt at the Aussie market, as Nike declares "we'll see about that".
Pepsi Launches New Look, Refreshing Classic Fashion Staples Via Special PR
Are you always the bridesmaid, never the bride, as the old saying goes? How do you think Pepsi feels?
Pure Blonde Returns To A Place Purer Than Yours In New Campaign Via The Monkeys
B&T's always been a huge fan of the 'drink yourself thinner' diet plan. So big thanks to Pure blonde, vodka & tequila.