Module 4 Blog Post on the Disruptive Power of Google Glass

Module 4 Blog Post on the Disruptive Power of Google Glass

            A disruptive technology is a technology that displaces another technology. Thornburg (Laureate Education, 2014a) defines a disruptive technology as new technology with the same functionality of an existing technology. The new technology functions more efficiently. In fact, the new technology will obsolete the previous technology.

Google Glass is an example of a disruptive technology that can eventually replace cell phones and tablets. According to The Financial Express (2014, October) Google Glass displays information at eye level in a smartphone-like hands-free format. Similar to a smartphone, users can video record, make phone calls, take pictures and search the internet with voice commands. An article from Tech Life (2013, July) claims that within the overlay, there is a prism that beams light onto the user’s retina. The prism receives from a tiny projector inside the lens. The user can see the physical world and all relevant data regarding their physical world.

            Testers all over the world are using the Google Glass device to gather the social benefits of using it. Google Glass is an overlay of the world that users will see around them. According to Tech Life (2013, July) Google Glasses users get data and applications in the context of what they are doing or from where they are looking. Users can take pictures and video tape their surroundings. Users can get the time and weather report in their current location. The can map out and navigate their way to a destination. Users can translate information into a language they prefer. Google Glass (2014, October) also allows users to learn geographical and historical from their current location. Users can use the voice control to take notes with the feature Evernote. They can also use Google to find recipes while they are taking out their ingredients. Google Glass offers features for active users. Users can gage and map their walking, running, weightlifting, and circuit training workouts. In an educational setting. There are a few social implications as users engage in using Google Glass. Newman (2013, May) points out privacy violations. The device has a built-in camera that can sneakily take photos and video at any time. There are also social implications with etiquette. It may be rude to Google Glass a person’s profile when you are speaking directly to that person. Parents may also have a difficult time monitoring what their children are viewing through Google Glass. In a public school setting, the device may be useful for gathering data and performing laboratory exercises. However, the device may also promote academic dishonesty.

In five – ten years another emerging technology will replace Google Glass. Holography is an emerging technology which enables users to make three-dimensional images. Holograms use a laser, diffraction, light intensity recording and illumination. The image appears three-dimensional as the viewing system changes the position and orientation of the image. There is a projection that the use of holographic telepresence will bring digital participants and remote location to classrooms with the use of three-dimensional technology.

References

Applying google glass. (2014, October). The Financial Express. Retrieved from

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/applying-google-glass/1297571

How does google glass work. (2013, July). Tech Life. Retrieved from

http://www.techlife.net/2013/07/how-does-google-glass-work.html

Google Glass. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2014, from http://www.google.com/glass/start/

Laureate Education (Producer). (2014a). David Thornburg: Disruptive technologies [Video file].

Baltimore, MD: Author.

Newman, J. (2013, May). The real privacy implications of google glass. Time. Retrieved from

http://techland.time.com/2013/05/02/the-real-privacy-implications-of-google-glass/