With the introduction of the Moto 360 smartwatch, Google may have signed an obituary for its Google Glass before it even becomes available to the general public. Writing for Mashable, former Google Glass Explorer and self-described “tech enthusiast” Peter McDermott says that may be the case.
While the idea behind Google Glass–enabling to access information instantly through a display at the corner of your eye, without having to constantly bringing out your phone–is promising, actual usage of the Glass shows a different story.
McDermott lists down several issues facing Google Glass:
Relatively short battery life – While Google Glass lasts up to 8 hours in casual use, that is not the case once you turn on the video camera, wherein the device would last for up to 30 minutes if you record continuously.
Worries regarding security issues – Google may insist all those criticisms at how Google Glass compromises security are unfounded, but a few tweaks from a knowledgeable individual could make Google Glass gather personal information from the people around the user including credit card numbers.
The lack of social acceptance – The tech giant calls out Google Glass critics for being so concerned about privacy when they have mobile devices that have potential security risks. But add the news about the “largest government surveillance scandal in recorded history,” people will remain uncomfortable seeing one guy with a tiny camera attached to his face.
“Moto 360 won’t have these problems,” McDermott wrote. “First of all, it’s on my wrist, so it’s much less conspicuous than a face-mounted computer. This definitely helps us in the social acceptance arena, and makes it a wearable than I’m comfortable wearing everywhere (except maybe not the shower).”
The blogger also gives praises on Moto 360’s potential in hosting better apps that work in multiple wearable devices, as well as the added sex appeal to people who treat their watches like jewelry. It is even a safer way of using a wearable device, without having to face the risk of getting mugged in a bar, get a traffic ticket for operating a mobile device while driving, or get questioned by a FBI agent in a cinema over allegations of movie piracy.
“Now that I’ve seen Moto 360, I see some elements of Glass that I love that will fit much better into my daily life,” McDermott wrote.
