Two years ago, Google released a new technology in hopes of increasing overall profit. However, such an attempt was met with failure as the product greatly lacked in sales. There are several theories about how the glass failed, and some of them are quite reasonable.
The Google glass is pretty interesting; although it is very expensive ($1,500), it is known to be very buggy and incomplete. Moreover, this technology made it significantly easier to record other people’s conversations, which consequently forced Google to deal with privacy right issues.
Additionally, the glass is not good for people’s health. More specifically, having a wi-fi connection signal inches in front of one’s head can only be detrimental to the body. Also, if a driver were to wear the glasses while driving, he or she will more likely pay more attention looking through the glasses instead of at the road, which will increase the frequency of traffic accidents. Also, different sizes of the two eyeglasses that are part of one pair might also damage one’s eyes.
It is also proven that because Google advertised this product too much and made it too famous, the bad sides of the glass particularly have been brought to the spotlight. It also had a commercial failure. If you compare Google’s commercial efforts with those of Apple, you will find that their characteristics are very similar. The new Apple watch is just like the Google glass-not very useful, yet very cool and trendy. However, the main thing that distinguished Apple is that Apple did not reveal the real use of the Apple watch, while Google did explicitly state the purpose of its new product. For Apple, this way of advertising caused people expect certain aspects of the watch that were not met once the watch was released.
Another problem is that the Google glass’s look is not the most stylish. When people see you wearing it to somewhere such as a party, they will know it is the Google glass. The small screen on it is way too obvious. Wearing it may makes some people think you are rich or showing off and might even cause others to prematurely judge you. Moreover, the Google glass works when you speak to it, which could be inconvenient and not wise to use in public.
I like Google; as one of my favorite technology companies, they are very creative and never fail to create new products. But their Google glass wasn’t much of a success even though it is very creative and Google is the first company that tried to make something like it. I hope they will continue creating new technologies and have greater success next time.