Augmented Reality: Silly Glasses or Future of Computers?
I wanted to share my thoughts on:
"I think AR is going to be a big thing, just only on your phone and not silly headsets." - Tom Goodwin's (EVP, Head of Innovation at Zenith Media)
Stigmas and Confusion
I know most people are automatically turned off by the thought of wearing one of these monstrosities on their head.
The only people that should be interested in something that looks this weird, are geeks and gamers. Right? Wrong.
For all the non-geeks out there. What the heck is the difference between VR, AR, and MR? Here’s a quick infographic which explains in simpler terms the technical differences between these (super confusing to consumer) categories. I believe these distinctions will eventually disappear and converge into one product with the option to switch back and forth (but I’ll save that for another article).
Proof of Concept
I may be a Millennial but does anybody remember the Car Phone? C'mon! The one with the enormous battery pack you proudly showed off to your friends (pictured above). Now think the iPhone! The design of the Car Phone definitely was not ideal, but at the moment it was an amazing proof of concept. Let's just say we are currently in a similar crux. Luckily, technology becomes exponentially cheaper, smaller and faster over time. I believe it's industry-wide consensus that a light-weight and comfortable form factor which does not obstruct a person's view is the holy grail. That is why glasses seem to be the next natural step in its evolution. Not to mention, glasses make you look a lot saner in public versus a Robocop helmet on your head. The challenge: fitting all that tech into a stylish design that looks great on every type of face in the world.
Exploring Google Glass
Yes. That is my hand. Fun Fact: I was a Google Glass Explorer in 2014. As an early adopter of wearable AR, I'm not ashamed of being a "Glasshole". They were unbelievably light-weight and comfortable but unfortunately socially unacceptable (at the time). Later that year, they released attachable eyeglass frames with the intention of solving the prescription glasses barrier that VR struggles with today. They tried to diversify the options to accommodate personal style and different face types. If you really wanted to get fancy, you may have purchased the Diane von Furstenberg collaboration frames. The Google Glass model I chose was all black (well Charcoal if you want to be specific). Once I added the Curve frame, most people didn't even notice that there was "something up" with my glasses.
Despite the criticism of Google Glass, I believe they made a noble attempt to solve some of the industry's toughest problems. Artistically, I thought the 12-page spread with Vogue looked pretty cool. How Google became the whipping boy for what they clearly stated was an experiment (and not a polished consumer product) is beyond me.
“First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, and then you win.” -Gandhi
Snapping with Spectacles
Snapchat Spectacles is more of a wearable camera but they also have a similar product challenge. Which of course, is fitting a tiny computer onto your face in a way that won't look absolutely absurd. I get approached all the time when I wear mine in public. Almost everyone asks me if they could try them on. (Pictured above: a selfie of Me and Karen X while wearing my customized Snapchat Spectacles with Transition® lenses at Loic Le Meur's technology conference Leade.rs Paris) The most common reaction I get: These are really cool but I don't like the way they look on me. My personal opinion? One-size-fits-all is a really tough nut to crack and fast-fashion isn't helping.
Shrinking The Form Factor
Now let's think a little further down the road...Contact lenses sound like an even better idea once technology reaches that possibility. Go deeper down that rabbit hole and find concepts of surgically implanted computers like Elon Musk's NeuraLink. He also isn’t the only one trying to computerize your brain. Look ma, no headset!
Technology companies are aware that scuba goggles linked to a giant desktop aren't an ideal product experience but more-so just the "state-of-the-art". Unlike Virtual Reality, AR and MR devices aren't required to create an entirely new world which in consequence could mean less bulky hardware. Trust me, those iGlasses will be on your face in no time. Did I mention Apple CEO Tim Cook recently flew to South Florida to take a look at secretive billion-dollar startup Magic Leap? Hmm...
Still thinking this whole revolution is nothing more than a techie's elaborate pipe dream?
The Future of Computing
Here are a few major companies currently developing or have already released VR/AR/MR devices: Microsoft, ASUS, Lenovo, Sony (Playstation), Facebook, HTC, Google, AMD, Samsung, Intel, Qualcomm, Siemens, Dell, HP and Nokia. Now consider the rumors of Amazon and Apple entering this space soon. In conclusion, virtually every computer and mobile phone company under the sun is investing billions of dollars into this paradigm shift.
Fashion Over Function
As I mentioned earlier, personal style is the other major piece of the puzzle. Perhaps the kings of Smart Glasses will not be technology companies but instead luxury lifestyle brands such as Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior (Although, IMO Dior's Project: Eyes looks completely ridiculous considering the source). If you are a high-end luxury fashionista with expensive taste, you may not think that Qualcomm is the belle of the ball. What if it came from Cartier or Rolex? What if owning one held the same social status? Just questions.
Mercedes Benz is already thinking about giving you a pair of mixed reality glasses in the glove compartment so that when you blow out the tire you are going to put on the glasses and its going to show you how to change the tire step by step. - Robert Scoble
Closing Thoughts
Still not convinced that this will become the new norm? One last thought: 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving.
- Sent from my iPhone
