10 Ways Google Is Getting Glass Ready for Prime Time

By Don Reisinger

Although Google was expected to bring on prescription glasses support, it wasn’t clear from the beginning how that would happen. Now we know. Google decided that rather than redesign Glass to sit atop any pair of glasses, it would offer four frame designs and allow Glass Explorers to pick whichever one they’d prefer. All four options are somewhat stylish, so folks should be able to find at least one pair they’d like. But there is no accounting for taste.

Those looking to get in on the Google Glass craze should expect to shell out a serious amount of cash. Google Glass itself costs $1,500 to become an Explorer. If customers then need prescriptions, they’ll need to pick a frame at $225 each. Add in sunglasses, and that’ll push the price up $150. Google Glass is no bargain and that will probably just add to its aura of exclusivity.

Now that more people have tried out Google Glass, some legal issues are emerging. States such as California and others have laws on the books that ban drivers from using a wearable computer like Glass as a potential distraction. But so far, these laws haven’t been tested in court. One driver has been charged with driving while wearing Google Glass, but a judge dismissed the charge on the grounds that there was no evidence the person was actually using the device while driving. Google believes that, over time, people will see it as a complement to driving rather than a distraction. Until then, expect to hear about more arrests and litigation involving Google Glass.

As mentioned, Google isn’t skimping when it comes to delivering accessories for Glass. The company is offering sunglasses attachments for Glass for those who need them and the search giant claims that it doesn’t harm the experience of using the eyewear. Let’s hope not—Google Glass is designed to be used outside with the sun beaming down.

The secret to using Google Glass might be more in voice recognition than eye activity. Sure, the device can capture an image when a person blinks his or her eye, but voice commands allow folks to send messages to others, record video and look up facts. The voice is central to Glass’ value to customers.

It wouldn’t be a mobile device from Google without support for the company’s Maps application. With Glass, users can find directions, see turn-by-turn directions on their lens, and have access to points of interest. Google Maps is the leader in getting around town, and it’s a nice addition to Glass.

Google’s many other, not-so-flashy, services have found their way to Glass. For example, if a person is traveling overseas, he or she can ask Glass how to translate a phrase. Through the device’s attached earbuds, they’ll get the answer. Glass also includes support for streaming, search, and the search giant’s travel-data technology.

In order for Google Glass to be successful, the technology needs to be simple to use and intuitive. That’s perhaps why Google has gone out of its way to make the entire Google Glass experience hands-free. While that has worked quite well to this point, it begs the question of exactly what Google will do in the coming years to ensure user interaction with the technology improves without requiring hands to get in the way.

Google Now, a location-aware service that provides relevant information around a given area, will arguably be one of the most important services the search company will offer in the coming years. It’s beautifully implemented in Google Glass and could be the secret feature that helps Glass break out into the mainstream. After all, shouldn’t a mobile device be fully mobile-aware?

One of the most important things to understand about Google Glass is that its fate will ultimately rely upon its ability to help people be social. Will the technology show off first-person videos that convince others to buy it? Will messages transmitted from the eyewear entice people to learn more? Will the fact that it’s on a person’s face at a party make it look normal instead of odd? Will party hosts even let Google Glass wearers through their doors? Social acceptance—not individuals—will ultimately determine Google Glass’ fate.