In this blog post, we will examine why Google Glass failed in the age of individualism and explore the future direction of HMD technology.
HMD and Google Glass
HMD (Head-Mounted Display) is a video display device that can be worn on the head like glasses to enjoy large images. Previous display forms required large screens to enjoy large images. However, as time passed, smaller screens were demanded to enhance mobility. HMD resolved this contradiction by reducing the distance between the display and the eyes. Google’s ambitious product that applied this display form was Google Glass.
Google Glass resembles a frameless, half-rimmed pair of glasses. A thumbnail-sized display is positioned at the top right, with a camera next to it for taking photos and videos. The right bar houses a computer and sensors, enabling basic functions such as social media integration, navigation, message sending, and dictionary lookup. These functions can be used by swiping the bar up or down with your finger or through voice recognition.
At first glance, it seems like a product you might want to own, but I would like to express some skepticism about this product, which has not even been released yet. Google Glass has not been released to the market even after 10 years, and in 2023, Google officially announced the end of the project.
The problem with Google Glass is its paradigm!
The issues with Google Glass include its inherent limitations, such as the inability to use a touchscreen, and its high price. However, the more significant problem is that Google Glass does not align with the modern paradigm. Modern society is dominated by individualism. Individuals are the subjects of their lives, and people dislike being interfered with and, conversely, avoid interfering with others.
In this social atmosphere, the concept of “inconvenience awareness” becomes even more pronounced. In an individualistic society, people fear others’ gazes and avoid drawing attention to themselves in public spaces. Here, the way Google Glass is used becomes problematic. This is because voice-based commands have not yet become widespread. While voice search is available on smartphones, few people actually use it. However, Google Glass operates based on voice recognition.
It works by saying “OK, glass” followed by a command to select a function. The act of giving commands to the device using voice alone can be problematic. People typically only use their voices when talking to others, so speaking to oneself in public can feel awkward and draw unwanted attention. This situation could deter users from using Google Glass in public spaces.
Other issues with Google Glass
Another issue is the potential invasion of privacy with Google Glass. It is difficult for the other person to know when Google Glass is recording. Google claims that an LED light turns on when recording, but the issue remains. Just as someone pointing a smartphone directly at you might raise suspicions of voyeurism, Google Glass could also cause such misunderstandings. Additionally, Google Glass’s design, which faces directly toward the user, could exacerbate this issue. Furthermore, Google Glass does not have a touchscreen, making it difficult to add more advanced features. Users must pair it with their smartphones, meaning they must carry their phones in their pockets while wearing Google Glass on their heads. Given that most functions can be accessed more conveniently by simply taking out a smartphone, it is unclear why users would choose to use the more cumbersome Google Glass.
Another issue is the high price. It is questionable how many consumers would be willing to pay $1,635 for Google Glass.
What is the future of Google Glass?
There are two possible directions for Google Glass. The first is to accustom consumers to the product and change the paradigm. The second is to conform to the paradigm and redesign the product with a user-centered approach. A good example of the former is Apple. Apple built its own platform and made consumers use Apple’s platform when using Apple products. Although Apple’s platform is not compatible with Android devices, Apple attracted consumers with its innovative design. Is it possible for Google to do the same? Paradigm shifts are difficult to predict, but if they do occur, our daily lives and values will change significantly.
A realistic direction for Google Glass
The second direction, user-centered design, has specific measures. Google Glass’ voice-recognition-based operation method is similar to the phone function that already exists in everyday life. People do not find it strange to make phone calls in public places, but Google Glass gives a sense of unease because there is no one listening. This sense of unease can be alleviated by having Google Glass recognize voice commands and respond to the user with simple sentences. This approach makes users perceive the device as more human, reducing their reluctance to use it in public places.
A new direction for Google Glass
If the above methods prove ineffective, changing the theme of Google Glass could be another option. Currently, Google Glass is designed to be an Internet-based device that blends into everyday life, but redesigning it as a device that prioritizes privacy could be another direction. By adding features such as book, movie, YouTube, and social media connectivity, and creating a large display that fills the entire field of view, it could be transformed into a device that allows users to enjoy leisure activities freely anywhere. The inconvenient posture issues associated with smartphones could also be resolved due to the HMD’s design. With a changed theme, Google Glass could open up a new market as a portable HMD device.
Future prospects for Google Glass
In fact, the HMD device applied to Google Glass is not new. Similar devices have existed in the past, but they were discontinued due to high costs, large size, and weight caused by technological limitations. However, as technology advances and these issues are resolved, HMD devices could regain their value in the market.
Especially with the addition of transparent displays, augmented reality technology, and personal voice recognition, Google Glass could evolve into an even more useful device. It also has the potential to become a fashion icon. Perhaps one day, wearing Google Glass will become as commonplace as carrying a smartphone today.
