Staff Writer
It looks like Google may be looking through rose colored glasses when it comes to their newest product, Google Glass. Reviews are starting to come in and the verdict isn’t what they expected. The test subjects, both professional and amateur techies, have started to air their grievances about the device. This is not the response you’re looking for when your product is set to retail for about $1,500.
Amongst the top of the complaint list was battery life. Google claims the headset can last up to 20 hours without needing to be charged. Most reviewers had to disagree. 5 hours was the average time that users reported before the Glass just shut off. Robert Scroble reported that just shooting a 6-minute video drained the battery upwards of 20%. However, battery life has always been an issue when dealing with mobile devices.
Security breaches are also a very large concern of the test group. Hacker Jay Freeman figured out a way in. Much like gaining access to your phone or computer, when Google Glass is hacked it’s much worse. The hacker can see everything you are doing. Not to mention if you leave your Glass unattended anyone can pick it up and have access to your information. Mobile phones at least have the option for a security pin to prevent others from gaining access to your information.
Going along with security composing messages with Glass is no private matter. Reading messages involves a series of taps to access the full message. When it’s time to reply Glass uses speech-to-text to compose your message. While there are a few glitches that come along with speech-to-text the bigger issue is how do you respond if it’s a private manner?
So far for cons we have poor battery life, lackluster security measures, and having to air your dirty laundry while composing a message. Let’s add in some esthetic issues. Engadget’s Tim Stevens had issues with the glasses sitting comfortable on his face. While Shana Lynch, editor of Silicon Valley Business Journal, had to have Google fit them specifically for her. That is a luxury that won’t be available to most.
Also Google intends on releasing Glass for prescription eyewear users. Right now the device has to be worn over your existing glasses which sometimes blocks the display as well as making it completely impossible to focus at all. Also an oversight is the frames inability to be stored easily. If you wanted to take a break from the Glass there is no way to fold them up and store them as you would a pair of sunglasses. It makes me think that Google wants you to be plugged in all the time.
Google has been made aware of these issues and vows that they will be all be remedied before Glass will be on sale to the public. There is no solid release date set for the product, which gives Google enough time to perfect Glass before it’s widely available to consumers.
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