Creating a New Reality with Wearable Technology

Credit: https://www.pcmag.com/feature/331347/hands-on-with-microsoft-hololens/2

In a past blog post I discussed augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) and their use in entertainment, but this post will focus specifically on wearable technology, the downsides and how it can influence our everyday life at home and in the workplace. These wearable technologies were created to add convenience to our lives and to improve our productivity, but why are they hitting roadblocks?

Credit: https://minutehack.com/
opinions/is-google-glass-staging-a-comeback

Google was one of the first notable large companies to release a product like this, which they called ‘Google Glass’. According to Forbes, the Google Glass project failed because the company did not address the issue of helping their consumers understand why they needed the product. As they quote Steve Jobs, “People don’t know what they want until you show it to them”.

 In my own opinion, I do believe this was part of the issue, as no one will buy a product that they don’t see a need for it, but the other major issue was the aesthetic of the glasses. As seen in the photo above, they tried to market the glasses as stylish and a fashion accessory, but in the end, (in my opinion at least) they still look blatantly obvious and awkward which I'm sure is another reason they failed as people did not want to walk around with this on their face. I believe another factor associated with their look, was that it would make may people around the user uncomfortable as they would never know whether they were being recorded or photographed so I am sure many were unhappy for the potential lack of privacy.

Credit: https://www.theyoungfolks.com/film/92867/the-circle-movie-trailer/

 This reminds me of the movie I watched called "The Circle", as it focuses on world where everything is transparent and lacking privacy. The main character lives in a world where everything is broadcast throughout the world and there are very few places to go where what you do can't be seen. When I discuss the disadvantages of wearable technology in regards to lack of privacy, I think of this movie and how it changed their lives as they were so restricted and were forced to live a life in caution and in constant fear of being watched.
Even though the purpose of the wearable technology that we have available to us is not the same, as it is not primarily for the purpose of  live video, in my opinion it still threatens privacy of the user and those around them. 

As shown in the photo at the top of this post, Microsoft is working on their own version of Google Glass called "Hololens". Again, it still has the same issues of the Google Glass in regards to lack of discreteness and privacy, but I believe Microsoft has done a great job at marketing it to the user as a tool that they need as it can provide lots of different opportunities. The video to the right is Microsoft's advertisement for their wearable technology.

In my opinion, as long as Microsoft can fix the issues stated above, I think the "Hololens" product is great as it encourages the user to express their creativity, as well as it appears to help with efficiency and collaboration in the workplace. I believe the main concern is that we don't want another round of "Pokemon GO" incidents if this product becomes a distraction while walking around in public or driving. 

What do you think about these products? Do you agree with the issues I pointed out or do you have any more to add? Would you buy either of them? Let me know in the comments below.


References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Glass

https://gizmodo.com/study-estimates-that-pokemon-go-has-caused-more-than-10-1820776908