Google unveiled their unique invention, the Google Glass, a pair of spectacles which featured augmented reality for the first time in history of technology, in February 2013. The release managed to create a widespread demand for the product, globally. Everyone wanted their hands on a Google Glass. But just like any other overhyped product, the hype for this product died soon. Security and privacy related issues overpowered the features the Glass had to offer, such as providing a HUD (Heads Up Display), compatibility with smartphones, and a camera which allowed the device to record your life, and share it on various social media platforms.[i]
In an attempt to rebrand and differentiate their company, Snapchat, an extremely popular image sharing and multimedia mobile application recently changed the name of their company to Snap Inc. and as the first step into their differentiation and rebranding process, unveiled an invention perceived to be similar to that of the Google Glass, Snap Inc. Spectacles. The spectacles would allow users to record 10-seconds snippets of video, using a 115-degree lens, and post it on Snapchat.[ii]
But that’s where people are going wrong. The Spectacles offer literally nothing compared to what the Google Glass had to offer in terms of accessibility and features, which is what sets the two apart and makes them incomparable. Yes, they both come under the broad market for wearable technology, but in my opinion are two poles apart in their target market and technology.
The Google Glass was considered to be a flop at the end of the day, and people eventually forgot about it.[iii] It may have been the pricing of the product, or the pressure from consumers and developers towards safety and privacy, which is why I agree that the prices of both products are two poles apart as well, where the Spectacles would be priced at US$130 and above, whereas the Google Glass was priced at well above US$1000, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the two can be compared.
Also, when it comes to the question of whether the Snap Inc. Spectacles would sell or not, I believe a couple of ugly pair of sunglasses which can only record videos for Snapchat would not be a likely investment for me, at least. I’d rather go and buy sunglasses which would serve the purpose of sunglasses, protection from the sun, and allow me to look good.
In the end, I’d like to reiterate the point I tried to put forward; I have reason to believe that the two pieces of wearable technology cannot be compared to each other unless we’re talking about a broader market, and also that Spectacles may or may not be a success. I suppose time will tell!
Sources:
He, Jenny. “Snap Inc. Spectacles vs. Google Glass.” Web log post. Jenny He’s Blog. N.p., 2 Oct. 2016. Web. 16 Oct. 2016. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/jennyh16/>.
[i] “Google Glass.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2016. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Glass>
[ii] Newton, Casey. “Snapchat Unveils $130 Connected Sunglasses and Rebrands as Snap, Inc.” The Verge. Vox Media, 23 Sept. 2016. Web. 17 Oct. 2016. <http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/23/13039184/snapchat-spectacles-price-release-date-snap-inc>.
[iii] Ulanoff, Lance. “Google Glass Disappears from Twitter and Facebook.” Mashable. N.p., 26 Jan. 2016. Web. 17 Oct. 2016. <http://mashable.com/2016/01/26/google-glass-social-accounts/#AUZ37zroukq8>.