We reported earlier this week on signs in the Google app that “Iris” glass development is proceeding after reportedly being canceled earlier this year. I’m of the opinion that Google, since 2015, should have continued consumer development of Glass as a pre-AR wearable given that the display technology is far from ready.
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I feel somewhat vindicated by the existence of Snap Spectacles and Meta’s Ray-Bans and genuinely think this form factor – a camera-equipped smartwatch for your face – could be helpful if positioned correctly. If Google indeed made such a device, what functionality would you need to make it worthwhile?
Camera
Since Google Glass, I’ve found point-of-view photos and videos to be alluring. I often forget to take pictures, and when I do remember, they’re often last-minute with bad or rushed framing. I think having the camera (at your temple) ready to take a shot with a simple button press (or similar gesture) would be highly convenient.
Meta’s latest Ray-Bans feature live streaming capabilities, and a similar YouTube integration on a hypothetical Google device feels natural. In addition to capturing video, imagine Google Meet calls where you can share what you’re seeing. This was, in fact, something that Google showed off during its Project Glass “One Day” concept.
While opening many privacy concerns, a camera that allows the glasses to have awareness of the world is crucial for building the first AR experiences and laying the groundwork for future ones (when the display technology is ready). I’d argue that, at this point, it’s better to have a camera than a limited…
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