You’ve got to hand it to Google. The search engine giant is willing to try anything to diversify the company’s revenue and profit model. Google may have a reputation for abandoning products left and right, but at least they’re throwing a lot of mud on the wall to see what sticks.
So far, Google hasn’t made much stick other than search engine advertising. Beyond Android OS on smartphones and tablets, and Chrome OS on cheap plastic notebooks, neither of which makes the company a return on investment, let alone the piles of profits that come from search advertising, there’s my favorite.
To be fair, the concept is worthy and I’m convinced that wearable technology, including glasses, has legs and will only improve over time.
The problem is that Google’s implementation smacks more of the Borg and less of a utility or tool or accessory that we’re willing to stand in line to buy. Google’s Glass reminds me of a futuristic Borg implant more than fashion or utility.
Glass is just too conspicuous, too obvious, and too menacing. Glassholes, indeed.
Apple’s wearable technology will be different than Samsung’s Gear and Google’s Glass. In true Apple fashion, both iWatch and iGlasses will have functionality missing in competitor’s products, yet be more subtle in style (understated elegance comes to mind). They’ll also be easier to use, and be sufficiently fashionable that we’ll want to spend the extra money (probably double the price of cheaper knockoffs).
Now, what will iWatch and iGlasses do that makes them so obvious and so fashionable? If I knew the answer to that I’d be living in Cupertino instead of Brooklyn. Apple seems to think different, then iterate and improve. I’m just waiting around for the think different part of 2014.