UNIT 2
For the several years, mobile technology hasn't seen much change. Minor storage and software improvements have occurred but when it comes down to it, most smartphones are, and have been for years, rectangular minimalist looking, touch screen-based devices. Google has changed this with their new product, Glass. As you can see in the picture, Glass is a pair of "glasses" the user can wear that posses a small screen overlaid on the wearer's right eye. Google glass will operate apps, make video calls, give directions, and do most other things a smartphone can do. Google glass has tech specs comparable to a mid-range smartphone. Controversy surrounds the device as some establishment such as casinos and strip clubs have already formally banned usage of Glass within their establishments but Google has asked wearers to be conscious of their usages just as they would with a cell phone. Glass will run applications, but no advertisements will be allowed according to Google. At least for now.
Glass has the unique position of being one of the biggest innovations in mobile devices since the iPhone in recent years. Google has taken a risk in putting out such an expensive device (MSRP: $1500) but the market demand certainly seems to be there for those who know about it. where Google has gone wrong to some extent here is their promotion of Google Glass. Or, more accurately, the lack thereof. Yes, there are ads, no, they are not well circulated. Google has not reserved TV commercials billboards, internet ads, or any other form of marketing aside from two YouTube videos and word of mouth. Google has never particularly needed to advertise themselves before and their relative inexperience in the retail business shows here. A website can get by on this strategy. A mobile device, especially such an expensive one, needs more hype than Glass is getting.
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