The Essence of Google Glass - Essay Example

Formal Report, Spring Prepared by Han Wang at the of Miami Report Distributed February 24, Prepared for English 230 Advanced Business Communication Professor Giovanni Turner Abstract Google Glass is a product that was launched in 2012 by Google. The device has many features that make it one of the important products in the market today. In connection with this, this study expounds on Glass, its benefits and challenges it is likely to face in the market. In addressing this, the study provides the executive summary of the study, introduction of the study as well as factors influencing the marketing of the product. The study also expounds on the market of the product in addition to providing detailed information on the SWOT analysis of the product. Additionally, the study concludes by providing some recommendations that ought to be implemented in order to enhance the success of the product in the market. Table of contents SECTION PAGE(S) I. Executive Summary ………………………………………………………4-5 II. Introduction ……………………………………………………………….6-8 III. Factors determining the market for Google Glass ……………………….8 i. Price …………………………………………………………..8 ii. Developer’s interest ………………………………………….8 iii. Design of Glass ………………………………………………9 iv. Privacy and safety ……………………………………………9 IV. Target market for the Glass ………………………………………………9 i. Education sector ……………………………………………..9-10 ii. Healthcare centers ……………………………………………10-11 iii. Airports ……………………………………………………….11 V. SWOT Analysis …………………………………………………………..11 i. Strengths ………………………………………………………11-12 ii. Weaknesses ……………………………………………………12 iii. Opportunities …………………………………………………..12-13 iv. Threats …………………………………………………………13 VI. Conclusion/Recommendation ………………………………………………13-14 VII. Works Cited …………………………………………………………………15 VIII. Summary of the works cited …………………………………………………16 I. Executive Summary The aim of this study was to examine the essence of a new product by Google referred to as Google Glass. In the past few years, provision of medical care in health centers has been associated with some challenges due to the advancement of some diseases and complications related to health. The issue of security has also been one of the key subjects in almost all organizations in the world. Performance of activities in fixed places has also been a source of worry for many years. For instance, many accidents in the world are as a result of multitasking. Majority of the drivers cause accidents of operating their Smartphones while driving. It is as a result of this that I saw it well to research on Google Glasses as well as advocate their introduction and usage in everyday activities. Google Glass was launched in 2012 by Google Company. However, its usage was not rampant because of lack of awareness, only a few people knew about Google Glasses leave its advantages to this technological world alone. This is evidenced by the fact that the use of the Glass was opposed by many people who knew nothing about their applicability in the current life. In tandem with this, I saw it well to provide some of the best features of Google Glass in this report so as to back up my choice of the product. Google Glass has the potential to record videos, as well as take pictures without incorporation of the hands. With this feature, one can record criminal activities as well as take photos of the persons behaving in a unique way. In other words, the Glass can aid significantly in combating crimes such as terrorism and other types of violence in a given environment. Google Glass also serves as means of communication. This is evidenced by the fact that users of Google Glasses can send messages and emails to each other via the use of voice commands. It is also evident that the world is advancing day per day in terms of technology. In tandem with this assertion, it is crucial to every person to embrace technology in daily activities. For instance, Google Glasses have the potential to aid one find information regarding some issues as well as directions just like other programmed computers. As a result of this feature, I saw it well to advocate the usage of Google Glass in carrying field researchers. One of the main reasons for the invention of computers and internet was to turn the whole world into a small village. This role is also well played by the Google Glass. Google Glasses have the potential to unite people in different places in real time; they act as the unifying factors of families and friends. Additionally, one can ascertain that time wastage is one of the things that have crippled the economy of most countries in the world. Some of the time wasted, however, is as a result of situations and occurrences such as traffic that people believe to be unavoidable. Surprisingly, the device has the potential to combat challenges associated with traffic and daily habits. Google Glasses give alternatives to things; they give alternate routes in case of traffic and weather updates periodically. Another feature that compelled me to love Google Glass is its translation ability. In most occasions, people face communication challenges when they move from one country to another. However, with Google Glass communication is not a problem; they translate phrases and sentences from one language to another. It also has the potential of speaking out the translated phrases. Despite these positive features, it is evident that the introduction of this product into the market will be faced with some challenges. In connection with this assertion, the study showed that the product will not only be regarded as an element of enhancing laziness in people, but jeopardy to privacy. However, the study showed that there are amicable measures that will be employed to overcome such challenges. In connection with the above features and solutions to any challenge that may arise, the research showed that Google Glasses will be imperative in running activities in not only health centers, but also other areas such as security departments and institutions. II. Introduction The purpose of this paper is to expound on how Google Glass will aid in solving the problems in various fields in the society. Google Glass is a wearable computing device that was invented by Google. The device is produced together with a head-mounted display. This smart device has the potential to present information to its users in a hands-free format in addition to enabling them interact with one another with the internet through voice commands (Viswanathan 1). The project associated with the production of this product calls for much media attention because of not only its slimness, but also its sleek design in addition to ease of use. “Google Glass is one of the most advanced wearable mobile technologies seen so far” (Viswanathan 1). Although it resembles a pair of eyeglasses, the device is packed with great computing power to enhance its functionality. The gadget is designed in a way that it delivers small packages of information to the users directly through employment of a micro-projector (Ventura 39). Additionally, the device uses a private channel of communication that is assessed only by the user. As a result of its advanced features, Google Glass can function as a recorder as well as a spy camera (Butow and Stepisnik 2). All these factors are as a result of its potential; it record high-quality audio, images as well as HD video via use of natural language, gestures or voice commands. The unit sales of Goggle Glass were expected to increase almost exponentially as from 2014. As shown below, the unit sales of the Glass were expected to be at peak by 2018. In analyzing this graph, one can deduce that the unit sales were to increase by 20,317,422 (a difference the sales in 2018 and the sales in 2014). From this figure, it is evident that the annual market opportunity for the product will be $10.5 billion (The Times of India 1). Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/google-glass-11-billion-market-by-2018-2013-5 Retrieved from http://www.statista.com/chart/1143/forecast-of-annual-google-glass-sales/ The success of this product in the market will be enhanced by its quality features as well as high demand for technological devices in many fields. The subsidizing of its price after extensive production will also contribute significantly to the increase in number of its users. Additionally, the crop of the new generation referred to as dot.com generation will contribute significantly to the success of this new product in the market. The key factors that will determine the market for the product, however, will be the price, developer interest, and cultural barriers. III. Factors determining the market for Google Glass i. Price The rate at which the price of the product will decline in the next five years will be the key factor determining how the public will adopt the device. As a result of this, there is a high possibility for Google cutting the price of Glass by approximately a half of its current price in the next two years. In my study, price was one of the factors that affected the sale of Glass. In a situation where the Google Glass went down sharply, the sales nosed up very fast. When the prices of the Google Glass remained high, the sales grew at a very slow pace. ii. Developer’s interest Google’s Mirror API also plays a very significant role that will enhance the success of the product in the market. In connection with this assertion, the study showed that the Google’s Mirror API encouraged developers to continue writing apps specifically for the device before even it was officially released. If the Glass by any chance incorporates an app that generates enthusiasm just like Instagram, it is evident that it will be accepted by many consumers. Currently, the Glass development is challenged by monetization issue. However, Google has insisted on, not allowing developers to charge for any app incorporated in the Glass. iii. Design of Glass Glass is not only conspicuous, but also obtrusive compared to its wearable computing-parts (Firstenberg and Salas 39). In connection with this, Google understands that acceptance of Glass in different societies depends on the willingness of people to be seen wearing the device in public. However, it is possible to the consumers to get past the appearance of the device, specifically if the designers improve the Glass. iv. Privacy and safety Google will also be forced to come up with amicable measures that will address privacy and safety issues. If not solved in time, these barriers are likely to hold Glass from growing explosively in the future. However, it is evident that Google will address these barriers gradually to social acceptance. IV. Target market for the Glass i. Education sector The use of Glass is becoming extensive in education sector. In tandem with this assertion, it is evident that high institutions are trying to incorporate Glass in their teaching programs. As a matter of fact, the Glass has contributed significantly to the success of online Ph.D. programs. Majority of people currently receive their doctorate online. In universities, for instance, the device is believed to not only enhance students’ orientation, but also provide supplemental materials during lectures. It is also believed to boost close-up viewing of lab demonstrations in addition to protecting students from reaction of reagents by enabling them view practical experiments involving chemicals from a distance (WordPress 1). Additionally, Glass is one of the devices that have made medical training easy by magnifying minute elements and objects related to health. The Glass is also believed to work effectively in high schools. Its effective use in high schools is in connection with its ability to document field trips, provide virtual field trips, and assist teachers monitor students movements and actions during field trips, and its encouragement of remote group work. Additionally, the device is believed to assist assessors assess their student teachers during their teaching practice. ii. Healthcare centers Saving life as well as ensuring patients get in and out of health center is the goal of any health personnel. For many years, the provision of effective treatment and care to the patients who undergo surgery has been the issue of concern to many surgeons (Malvey and Slovensky 84). In connection with this, the study showed that use of Glass will be very effective in heath centers. It is as a result of this assumption that Google also saw healthcare sector as one of its potential market for its product. “Google Glass is gaining popularity in the medical world as a teaching tool, recording surgeries from surgeon’s point of view and live-streaming that view to colleagues and students” (Kim 1). The Glass has also been found to be very effective in carrying out surgery; they enable the surgeon to pre-load as well as call CT and X-ray images that are required for the surgery so as to compare medical scan with the real surgical site. In their work, Malvey and Slovensky (84) also found out that a surgeon in an operating room can employ Google Glass in reviewing checklist as well as images from patients’ scans, as well as share, them with other surgeons. Additionally, Malvey and Slovensky claim that an anesthesiologist can easily use Glass to access crucial signs that would have been appearing on monitors while maintaining his attention on the patient. In relation to all these assertions, a surgical team from the University of Alabama managed to perform a telemedicine surgery in late 2013 by aid of Google Glass together with a virtual augmented reality technology (Kim 1). In connection with this, it is believed that the device enables a doctor to have interactive consultation from other surgeons while maintaining attention to the patient till the completion of the surgery process. Retrieved from http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/01/google-glass-enters-the-operating-room/?_r=0 From the above photo of Dr. Christopher Keading (an orthopedic surgeon at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center), one can deduce that the use of Google glass is very effective and applicable in healthcare centers. Retrieved from http://iuhealth.org/newsroom/detail/iu-health-first-in-indiana-to-use-google-glass-in-surgery/ The above photo expounds on the use of Google glass in performing surgery in Indiana. Thus, the two photos justifies the fact that application of Google glass is very effective in hospitals. iii. Airports The use of Glass is also becoming common in airports. In connection with this assertion, the study showed that Virgin America, a small airline in the U.S., provides its flight crews with Google Glasses so that they can access passenger information from the flight manifest to personalize the experience” (Benckendorff, Scheldon and Fesenmaier 191). Additionally, it is evident that Glass can be used by the police to provide security to the citizens. In connection with this claim, the study showed that the police can use the Glass in facial-recognition of hooligans and criminals. For instance, Lacy (63) claims “the Brazilian police intend to use Robocop-style facial recognition glasses to catch hooligans at 2014 World Cup.” In relation to this, it is evident that the issue of security is occasionally debated worldwide. Fortunately, some of the ways of combating such a global problem is embracement of technology and the devices invented. When analyzing the issue of security, the study showed that use of Google Glass by Criminal Investigating Departments (CID) and the police will aid combat insecurity issues. The study also showed that the Glass is the best interviewing gadget because of its ability to record words, as well as movements made by the interviewee. V. SWOT Analysis The study also considered the ways through which Google harness its strengths as well as opportunities to trounce threats, as well as weaknesses, so as to increase the chances of Glass survival and success in the market. i. Strengths The Glass is the only technological device that has been introduced with such incorporative power. As a result of this, the competition is almost zero in the market. The plans by Google in relationship to the price of the device are also one of the key strength of the product. As it was introduced above, Google plans to lower the price of the price of Glass so that many people can afford it. Additionally, the ability of the product to access a large market share (high institutions, high schools, airports, hospitals, and security departments) is also one of the strengths of the product in the market. ii. Weaknesses Despite appearing successive in the market, Glass has some drawbacks. For instance, it is evident that the device has a short battery life; the battery can run out if used continuously. Glass has also been found to be a source of distraction for certain activities; it is associated with the causation of accidents on roads. The device can also be a target of assault. Some early users of the device have been assaulted in not only bars, but also other public places. It is also evident that the device requires one to speak all commands, an act that might be disconcerting to the users. Additionally, the use of Glass raises privacy concerns; majority of the children’s pictures are posted online without their consent or permission from their parents. However, most of the issues raised here can be solved by Google, and as a result of that, the product can be a success in the market. iii. Opportunities Almost every person in the current world moves with technology advancement. None wishes to drag behind, and as a result of this, every persons aims at accessing the latest innovation in the market. The current education is also in demand for current technology; most people value online education. Healthcare providers have also started to embrace technology in their daily activities. As a result of this, many health centers are investing in technological devices such as Glass. The issue of insecurity is also very rampant in the world. In connection with this, departments associated with the provision of security are investing in technological devices such as Glass. iv. Threats High competition from the drones is the main threat that will face the introduction of the product in the market. These threats, however, will be overcome by lowering the cost of the product in addition to informing the public about the essence of embracing such a device. VI. Conclusion/Recommendation Google Glass is one of the product is likely to compete effectively in the current market. It has features that enable to take photos, record audio and video without the usage of hands. The product was introduced in 2012 by Google with the aim of meeting the demand for such a technological device in the society. The target market of the Glass includes higher institutions, high schools, airports, the security department, and hospitals. The use of Glass has been found effective in health centers particularly the theater; it aids a surgeon to pay 100 percent attention to the patient during the operation process. The product also enhances interactions between surgeons while carrying out surgery on a patient. The use of Glass also plays a significant role in the society; it acts as a unifying factor since it allows the exchange of emails and messages between users. Additionally, it avails people from the same family in occasions irrespective of distance from each other. The strength of the product includes being the only technological device with such features in the market. It also has a large market ranging from institutions to health centers. The weakness of the product includes intrusion of one’s privacy in addition to resulting in assault. The product has diverse market opportunities; majority of the people embrace technology. Glass has a market threat also; majority of the people do not know anything about Google Glass. Additionally, the device referred to as drone plays almost the same role as Glass. It is crucial to people to embrace technology since the current world is shifting towards overdependence on technology. It is also important for organizations such as hospitals to access this product because it will assist significantly in providing an amicable care to the patients. Institutions and high schools also need to reconsider incorporating the use of this device since the device will enable the users access the required information with much ease. Although the usage of Glass is associated with some success in the society, it is also advisable for the users to avoid misusing the device. Drivers, for instance, should not drive while interacting with other people through the use of Glass. In connection with voice commands, it is advisable for Google Company to upgrade the Glass so that people will pass commands to the device by other means other than speaking. Works Cited Benckendorff, Pierre, Sheldon Pauline and Fesenmaier Daniel. Tourism Information Technology, 2nd Edition. New York: CABI, 2014. Butow, Eric and Stepisnik Robert. Google Glass For Dummies. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2014. Firstenberg, Allen and Salas Jason. Designing and Developing for Google Glass: Thinking Differently for a New Platform. New York: "OReilly Media, Inc.", 2014. http://www.businessinsider.com/google-glass-11-billion-market-by-2018-2013- 5#ixzz3RefPYWJ7 Kim, Leland. Google Glass Delivers New Insight During Surgery. University of California San Francisco. 2013. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2013/10/109526/surgeon-improves-safety-efficiency- operating-room-google-glass Lacy, Mark. Security, Technology and Global Politics: Thinking with Virilio PRIO New Security Studies. New York: Routledge, 2014. Malvey, Donna and Slovensky Donna. MHealth: Transforming Healthcare. New York: Springer, 2014. The Times of India.Bi Intelligence Forecast: Google Glass Will Be An $11 Billion Market By 2018. 2013. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. Ventura, Marne. Google Glass and Robotics Innovator Sebastian Thrun. New York: Lerner Publications, 2014. Viswanathan, Priya. What is Google Glass and How Does it Function? 2015. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. http://mobiledevices.about.com/od/reviewsandmore/f/What-Is-Google-Glass-And-How- Does-It-Function.htm WordPress. Could Wearable Tech Like Google Glass Play a Role in Connected Education? 2014. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. http://www.online-phd-programs.org/google-glass/ Read More