Mpls Agency Looking To The Future Through Google Glass
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Google glass is a wearable computer.
Developers are getting a chance to try out the futuristic shades first so they can give input and create apps.
One Minneapolis digital innovation agency, Space 150, recently had a pair delivered.
"We had a number of people gather around [for the opening]," says Marc Jensen, the agency's president and chief technology officer.
Space 150 is the 342nd owner of Google Glass.
While the glasses might not look the coolest -- with twist on or off lenses and bulky plastic -- the way they work is pretty sweet.
"You have two different ways to turn it on, you can tip your head up and down, or you can tap it," Jensen said.
Everything is voice or tap activated, but wearing them takes a little getting used to.
Right now, the glasses can do the basic functions of your smart phone – take pictures, record video or search the internet. You can also write emails.
I found the maps feature interesting, but distracting.
Marc Jensen sees it differently.
"Because it's all voice activated, it is something that you have to talk and interact with, so there's a certain amount of distraction. But, to me, this would be less distracting than using a smart phone for directions."
Space 150 thinks these functions are only the beginning.
"Google is really asking people to help them build what this platform is going to be," Jensen said.
Space 150 is testing the glasses to see what types of applications might work for their clients. One idea Space 150 had was that the glasses could record the last 15 minutes of your life at all times.
"So if something interesting happened, you could say: Hey, I want to stop and save this recording," Jensen said.
Also, something like cooking might be easier if you could look up a recipe while gathering ingredients.
"We may look back at this in 10 years and say, This was the point where things got really interesting," Jensen said.
You can't buy the glasses yet, but a consumer version is expected by the end of this year.
The developers and customers originally given access to Google Glass, including Space 150, paid $1,500 for it.
The price for the consumer model is expected to be lower.
