Google creates a spectacle with project

[Klytus]

Updated April 5, 2012, 2:16 p.m. ET

Google to meld human and goggle with new project

Associated Press

NEW YORK — If you think texting and walking is dangerous, just wait until everyone starts wearing Google's futuristic, Internet-connected glasses.

While wearing a pair, you could see directions to where you're going appear literally before your eyes. You can talk to friends over video chat or even buy a few things as you walk around.

In short, these glasses can do everything you now need a smartphone or tablet computer to accomplish.

Google gave a glimpse of what "Project Glass" might soon let people do in a video and blog post this week. The technology doesn't actually exist. Rather, Google wants to start a discussion and solicit ideas.

The glasses open up endless possibilities. But the project also hints at a minefield of challenges around privacy, practicality, even fashion sensibility.


<embed flashvars="playerVars=autoPlay=no" src="http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/yt-_dx0qWHL7dc/real_mccoy_run_away_us_version.swf" width="440" height="248" wmode="transparent" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" name="Metacafe_yt-_dx0qWHL7dc" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash">

 

[Raiders]

I believe this can be done only if the whole country is wired up with ultra fast Internet connection. Otherwise, it's basically useless.

 

[scroobal]

Not necessary. Major businesses are operating something like this as pilots with the current infrastructure. The central issue is privacy and a number of govt have banded together to write the legislation. Singapore is also party. The threat of the legislation is holding back investment.

Give you 2 examples

1) you are buying something with your credit card and its an unsual purchase. The Bank system receives the location and matches with your phone location. As you are likely to carry your mobile with you and if the proximity is similar it treats it as genuine purchase and not countfeit or stolen card.

2) you bought a branded shirt from a major store. Your card has been used in the same store and they know that you have bought the same brand before. The next time you walk pass the store with no intention to buy or enter the store, it will detect your presence again via the phone and immediately offer a significant discount on the same brand for the new range. That discount is personal to holder. The message will appear as an SMS, iphone or tango message.

Both are in production in US and UK and the businesses are working with Telcos but they are not making a big issue in view of the impending privacy legisaltion. Twitter, Google, Facebook and Apple having been capturing data for quite a while. Apple is in the lead. Apple alone has 250 million cards in their inventory.

I believe this can be done only if the whole country is wired up with ultra fast Internet connection. Otherwise, it's basically useless.

 

[singveld]

we do not have the technology now to do that, your grand children will be wearing this everyday though.