Google Glass: In your face

The episode opens by discussing the relationship between humans and technology, emphasizing the need for a reset as people spend excessive time staring at screens. Google Glass is introduced as a product designed to change this behavior by placing a screen in front of the user's eyes. The hosts agree that while Glass had many flaws, it also had many promising aspects that history may look favorably upon.

The discussion transitions to the backstory of Google Glass, beginning with research by Professor Babak Parviz and others at Google X Lab, who aimed to create wearable technology that could subtly integrate digital information into daily life. Google Glass was conceived around 2010-2012 and aimed to reduce distractions by displaying information in a manner that kept user's attention forward.

Google Glass was officially announced in 2012 and became widely known after a video showcasing its potential went viral. The excitement around the product led to mixed feelings as Sergey Brin wore the glasses publicly, causing a media frenzy. Despite its high price point of $1,500 for the Explorer Edition, the public reaction was initially optimistic but began to sour as issues with privacy and the behavior of its users became apparent.

The hosts dive into the backlash against Google Glass, noting that the term 'Glasshole' became a cultural reference for users who displayed obnoxious behavior while using the glasses. Various incidents ensued, leading to legal action and public outcry about privacy violations, especially as the technology began to be associated with secret filming.

The episode suggests that while Google Glass was perceived as a failure due to its drawbacks and cultural stigma, it nonetheless paved the way for future developments in augmented reality and wearable tech. The hosts explore the notion that technology's reception could shift and that AR still holds potential for meaningful applications in the future.

In wrapping up, the hosts convey the idea that while Google Glass was perhaps ahead of its time, the foundational ideas it introduced continue to influence current tech. The conversation reflects on how modern technologies are revisiting the concepts introduced by Google Glass, suggesting that lessons from its rise and fall are still relevant today.