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The Potential of Google Glass
When Ian Shakil, freshly graduated from Stanford’s business school, first tried on Google Glass at San Francisco’s Dolores Park, he had what he calls a “future of computing” epiphany. Borrowing the wearable tech from friends at Google, Shakil quickly realized the device’s potential to reshape how we interact with information. Inspired, he left his job as a consultant at flexible electronics startup MC10 and launched a new venture focused entirely on developing for Glass.
Entirely new computing platforms are rare—but when they arrive, they tend to upend existing business models while opening the floodgates for innovation. Just as the iPhone and the App Store sparked an entire mobile application economy, Google Glass could become the next major disruption in wearable technology and hands-free computing. The opportunity to create the “killer app” for Glass—a defining application that drives widespread adoption—is the kind of greenfield moment entrepreneurs dream of.
Google’s Push for Developer Engagement
Although it remains uncertain whether Glass will become a mainstream consumer product, Google is fueling speculation by courting developer interest. The company plans to release the device publicly this year and has actively invited outside contributions that could shape its early appeal. Through exclusive “Glass Foundry” hackathons in New York and San Francisco, Google offered select developers a hands-on preview—though strict nondisclosure agreements kept the events largely under wraps.
Some developers with existing Android app ecosystems have already been looped in. Evernote CEO Phil Libin confirmed that his team was among the earliest to receive a prototype. While Evernote’s note-syncing functionality is a natural fit for wearable computing, the team is still evaluating how best to optimize their experience for Glass’s small, always-on display and voice interface. Many other prominent app creators, however, have yet to gain access to the hardware.
Challenges for Early Glass Apps
According to David Blumberg, a venture capitalist at Blumberg Capital and an investor in augmented reality (AR) startups, the first wave of Google Glass apps will likely be incremental rather than game-changing. While the device offers a new form factor for data delivery, much of the information it surfaces already lives on users’ smartphones. Without a large user base, creating a business solely around Glass presents risk and uncertainty—early applications may function more as proofs of concept than as disruptive forces.
Even Shakil acknowledges the timeline for mass-market adoption could be long. “We see a lot of potential,” he says, “but we don’t expect people outside tech hubs like San Francisco to be wearing Glass to the mall anytime soon.” That insight led him to launch Augmedix, a startup that’s building Glass-based applications for medical professionals instead of consumers. Although he’s tight-lipped about details, the app is currently being piloted at healthcare facilities using the Vuzix M100, another wearable smart glasses system entering the market.
Enterprise and Industry Use Cases
Glass appears poised to gain early traction in workplace and industry-specific environments—places where hands-free access to data could enhance productivity. At the hackathons, ideas emerged for educational tools that could alert teachers in real time when students are struggling, as suggested by Khan Academy software engineer Stephanie Chang. Similarly, Det Ansinn, CEO of an application development firm serving sectors like healthcare and public safety, envisions Glass enabling frontline professionals like SWAT teams and hospital staff to operate more efficiently through real-time, heads-up data access.
With $55,000 raised on Upstart, support from Stanford’s medical school, and a place at Stanford’s Venture Labs, Augmedix is betting that healthcare is a key early use case. Erik Nordlander, engineering partner at Google Ventures, has invested personally in the startup, suggesting high-level confidence in its vision.
Future Possibilities and AR Integration
Still, crucial unknowns remain—particularly around how Google will manage its developer ecosystem. Questions about API constraints, approval processes, and app monetization policies are all front of mind. Developers are hopeful that Google will provide clearer guidance at upcoming events, such as the South by Southwest tech conference.
If Google Glass succeeds in driving adoption, it could breathe life into adjacent technologies like augmented reality, which have thus far struggled on smartphones due to limited interfaces. “Sometimes the tech is ready before the platform is,” says Misha Chellam, entrepreneur-in-residence at Blumberg Capital. “Glass could be the hardware that finally aligns with these experiences.”
Ryan Warner, a student at Champlain College and Android developer, signed up to be a Glass developer after seeing a teaser at Google I/O. His enthusiasm paid off when he landed a slot at the New York hackathon, joining one of the event’s eight winning teams. Warner’s prior apps, including a tip calculator and a virtual Rolodex, suggest the diverse talent entering the Glass ecosystem. Google reported over 80 unique ideas were born during the two-day session—proof that the race to build the next breakthrough app is already underway.
Key Factors for a Killer App
- Hands-Free Utility: Apps must leverage Glass’s voice and heads-up display for seamless, hands-free interaction.
- Enterprise Focus: Early adoption in industries like healthcare and public safety could drive initial success.
- AR Integration: Augmented reality features could differentiate Glass apps from smartphone alternatives.
- Developer Ecosystem: Clear APIs and monetization policies from Google are critical for app innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Google Glass is a wearable, head-mounted device with a small display and voice interface, designed for hands-free computing and augmented reality applications.
A killer app drives widespread adoption by showcasing the device’s unique capabilities, as seen with the iPhone’s App Store.
Developers face uncertainties around API constraints, limited user base, and adapting apps for Glass’s unique interface.
Healthcare, education, and public safety are prime candidates due to the need for hands-free, real-time data access.
Conclusion
Google Glass represents a bold step toward wearable computing, with the potential to redefine how we interact with technology. While consumer adoption may be slow, enterprise applications in fields like healthcare and education show promise. The race to create a killer app is underway, but success hinges on Google’s developer ecosystem and the ability of innovators like Augmedix to deliver practical, hands-free solutions. As the platform evolves, Glass could unlock new possibilities for augmented reality and beyond.