Google Glass, expected to be released in 2014 in its earlier-hyped days, is now expected to be released in 2015 at the earliest. Some are now questioning whether Google will eventually abandon the project.
In November, Reuters reported that nine out of 16 Glass app developers contacted had ceased development "because of the lack of customers or limitations of the device," while three others had given up on making Glass software for the consumer market.
Along with the consumer backlash since 2012, reports of the exit of Glass developers inside Google in recent months and Glass Explorer Edition kits selling at half price on eBay have been pointed to as signs that a mainstream launch has lost momentum.
Function and fashion both present challenges for consumer adoption.
Function wise, the best feature often cited is being able to take pictures without using your hands. Smartwatches, which are primed to take off over the next few years, accomplish many of the other functions. The battery life of less than three hours also makes it tough for Glass to be considered a device used to accomplish daily tasks.
On the fashion side, Glass's protruding camera has been seen as too "nerdy." Privacy concerns led to bans in public places.
"What we can say at this point is that Google has not built the next smartphone, or even the next smartwatch," wrote Will Oremus, Slate's senior technology writer. "The world at large isn't ready for face-computers. More importantly, face-computers aren't ready for the world at large — and they probably won't be in the foreseeable future."
Mr. Oremus believes Glass's partnership with Luxottica may point to its future as a luxury eyewear accessory. Many still see wide potential in the workplace for surgeons, cooks, plant workers and others who could benefit from hands-free access to a portable computer.
Google, which just celebrated the debut of the 100th app for Glass, claims the company is strongly committed to the project.
"It may not be happening today," Scott Strawn, an analyst with IDC, told Computerworld, "but these initial efforts are important in getting software developers to get thinking about these concepts."
- Google Glass
- 4 Signs That Google Glass Is Dead - Motley Fool
- Google Glass future clouded as some early believers lose faith - Reuters
- Is Google Glass On The Brink Of Going Mainstream, Or The Brink Of Failure? - Digitaltrends
- The Moonshot That Missed - Slate
- No, Google Glass isn't dead - Computer World