Nu Vibez and Roleplay Guide Magazine - June 2014 | Page 39

Google Glass, Invasion of the Glassholes? - p2

Glass (as it is called by wearers) has
been covered in this magazine
before. Still, for those that may not
have seen my last article on this
topic, or who are hearing about
Google Glass for the first time, let's
start by explaining what "Glass" is.
Google Glass is a wearable eyeglass
computer with an optical headmounted display (OHMD). It was
developed by Google with the
mission of producing a massmarket computer that would be
integrated into every activity we
engage in during our day-to-day
activities. Google Glass displays
information in a smartphone-like
h a n d s - f r e e f o r m a t . We a r e r s
communicate with the Internet via
natural language voice commands.
Also worthy of mention is that
Glass is seen as a spying tool by
many and as the first small steps of
fusing man and machine in ways
right out of a sci-fi movie. However,
it's this rapidly growing debate that
brings us back for a broader look at
this very important technology
with incredible social implications.

With Glass being on the open market
and the public more aware of it being
out there, people realize that the
lenses are just the first wave in a
growing industry of "wearable
computers":
"For much of 2013, I wore the
future across my brow, a true
Glasshole peering uncertainly
into the post-screen world. I'm
not out here all alone, at least
not for long. The future is
coming to your face too. And
your wrist. Hell, it might even
be in your clothes.
You're going to be wearing the
future all over yourself, and
soon. When it comes to
wearable computing, it's no
longer a question of if it
happens, only when and why
and can you get in front of it to
stop it with a ball-pein [sic]
hammer?” Wired columnist
Matt Honan (2013).
Think of it. Computer integration
into our clothing and accessories.
Walking info center gathering and
dispersing all we see and hear around
us to others. If I didn't know better I
Nu Vibez Magazine - June, 2014 - 39