I recently read two very similar takes on Snapchat Sunglasses- a wearable technology launched by Snapchat Inc. In Farzan Masoodi’s blog [1]-he says how they may be very a good idea by establishing a comparison between Snapchat sunglasses and Google Glass.
He writes on comparing the price- ‘ Google has already created a similar product, known as Google Glass, back in 2014, which did not generate nearly as much excitement from consumers as the internet software company had expected. Part of this may have been because the company lacked a mainstream marketing campaign that could appeal to consumers. Having spent presumably hundreds of millions of dollars developing Glass, Google should have spent at the very least $10 million explaining it.[2] In addition to that, Google Glass was selling for up to $1,500, which was in no way affordable for something that had the same features as a smartphone. In contrast, Snapchat is selling its “specs” for up to $130, which allows it to expand its target market to people of all incomes. Tying this together with the trendy look of the glasses, and its ability to work with the already popular app, I am convinced that this new product will be a growing success once it launches into retail markets.’
While I agree with him that lower pricing can be a major factor in success for Snapchat, it’s contrast with Google Glass is slightly misplaced. One majorly important factor being that Google Glass features highly advanced technology something that is even capable of teaching the Morse Code.[3] Thus, the price commanded by Google Glass can easily be explained by its technological edge.
Pravesh on the other hand in his blog [4] -provides a world view of what the technology is, again in comparison to Google Glass and perceives it as a step in the right direction. He writes-‘Marketing the product as a ‘toy’ as the CEO describes lowers the expectation of the product and makes it seem like a fun accessory to compliment snapchat rather than a product that takes on a completely new focus such as the Google Glass.’
Adding to it, I believe that another marketing feature that plays in favor of Snapchat glasses is their simplicity.[5] While Google glasses carry better technology they are in a nutshell quite complicated while Snapchat Sunglasses are trendy, comfortable and easy to handle.
In conclusion I agree with final view of both the bloggers that Snapchat sunglasses if marketed in the right direction and overcome the failures of google glass, they can be the next big thing in wearable technology.
425 words.
References-
[1]- https://blogs.ubc.ca/farzanmasoodi/2016/10/02/snapchat-explores-the-power-of-a-transient-advantage/
[2]- http://www.forbes.com/sites/siimonreynolds/2015/02/05/why-google-glass-failed/2/#259a7cd26d8c
[4]- https://blogs.ubc.ca/praveshcomm101/2016/10/01/snap-inc-spectacles/
[5]- http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-snapchat-spectacles-20160926-snap-story.html
*Image source hyperlinked to image.
