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Category: wearable tech

There are 2 posts published under wearable tech.

Does Google Glass Have a Place Behind the Wheel?

Who would have thought that a speeding ticket could have such a large impact on the tech community?

 

When a California judge recently dismissed a ticket that was handed out to a driver wearing Google Glass behind the wheel, eyes were opened. While the ruling is limited to this particular case (and there is still much to be debated on the legality of utilizing Google Glass while driving) such a decision could potentially open the door for a number of integrated applications on this and similar platforms. We will touch on a few interesting developments and highlight some differing opinions on whether this new technology is a distraction or step forward for driver safety.

 

An Optimistic Outlook

 

According to a story from DigitalTrends.com, Google Glass could be “the most beneficial gadget to ever enter the vehicle.” While it could certainly be argued that increased connectivity for a vehicle operator might lead to increased distraction (checking email, internet browsing, watching videos), the flipside is that some applications could be likened to a highly sophisticated heads-up display (HUD).

 

Navigation, weather conditions and car functionality could all be fed to the driver without their eyes ever leaving the road. When you compare this to turning knobs, pressing buttons and averting your focus to a smartphone, it is definitely seen as an improvement. What will still be debated, however, is whether “eyes on the road” directly correlates to increased concentration. Studies have previously shown that, even with a hands-free device and focus straight ahead, talking on the phone is still a dangerous distraction.

 

Backlash and Debate

 

While Google Glass is still only the hands of developers, the impending release to consumers will certainly drum up a lot of debate on how safe it really is for you to operate a vehicle and this device at the same time. Several states and the United Kingdom have already hinted at banning Google Glass while behind the wheel. Like anything else, the technology could and certainly will be abused, but along the same vein as cell phone blockers and other add-ons, ways to restrict use while operating a fleet vehicle could be made available.

 

Potential for the Future

 

The potential is obviously huge for what could be done with this increased connectivity, especially when it comes to business applications and a fleet of vehicles. Just as companies today have been in a rush to utilize smartphone applications in their daily routines, we could soon see custom apps for the connected driver.

 

You can use your imagination when it comes to the possible uses for a HUD that is easily controlled with eye movement. Routing instructions could easily be updated on the fly. Vehicle diagnostics and trouble codes could be sent directly to your vehicle maintenance software and the right mechanic could be found in seconds. When it comes to the potential for added safety, there is already an app available for Google Glass that keeps drivers awake and alert. Hyundai has even gone as far as adding a Google Glass app that allows for advanced interaction with their 2015 Genesis model.

 

What will the long term impact be for consumers, companies and fleets? Only time will tell…

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What do You Think is Going to Disrupt the Technology World Most in 2014 and Why?

The following answers are provided by the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launched StartupCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.

 

1. Wearable Tech

 

They are not only the next obvious horizon for consumer technology, but also smart watches, Google Glass and the like will force the tech world to re-approach the human-technology interface that we’ve relied on for so long — keyboards. Many ways of interacting with technology are being tried for novelty (Siri, for example), but it will only become crucial as wearable takes off in late 2014.

 

Brennan White ( https://twitter.com/bpw ), Watchtower ( http://www.watchtoweranalytics.com )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Same-Day Delivery

 

Amazon is doing it. Wal-Mart is in on it. Even eBay is joining up. Same-day delivery will have as much impact on changing consumers’ habits and eliminating the need for social contact and traditional errand running as the miracle of the Internet has had in the last 20 years.

 

Ty Morse, Songwhale ( http://www.songwhale.com )

 

ty morse

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. 3D Printing Advancements

 

I think advancements in 3D printing will be the most disruptive technology to come out in 2014. It will allow first world countries to produce goods at a much lower cost without having to pay taxes and tariffs. If developing countries lose income because they are losing manufacturing contracts, will they continue to respect our intellectual property laws?

 

Nikki Robinson ( http://twitter.com/glossglam ), Gloss and Glam ( http://www.glossandglam.com )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Privacy-Enhancing Technologies

 

Privacy has been an ongoing issue since the Internet has existed. With more data available than ever, and cases of service providers or government agencies sharing private information, privacy-enhancing technologies are growing in importance. We are reaching a peak in privacy issues, and I believe 2014 will be a pivotal year for services to aid in enhancing users’ privacy.

 

Phil Chen ( https://twitter.com/nethacker ), Givit ( http://www.givit.com )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Healthcare Automation

 

Healthcare will be big in 2014 with new legislation adding complexity and requiring more care. Disruption will come from new digital health tools that deliver the care and efficiently pay for it.

 

Neil Thanedar ( http://www.twitter.com/neilthanedar ), LabDoor ( http://www.labdoor.com )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Mobile Payments

 

More and more big brands, such as Starbucks, are integrating payment in their mobile apps. I think whoever cracks the code on simple mobile payments across many brands or apps is going to win big. Because everyone is so connected through their mobile devices now, adding a payment option will make the connection even greater and more valuable to brands because of the intelligence it will provide.

 

Sarah Schupp ( https://twitter.com/sarah_schupp ), UniversityParent ( http://www.universityparent.com )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. TV on the Internet

 

Netflix has started to make its own content, and cable as we know it will change. Because this content is released in seasons, not episodes, consumer demand for entertainment will no longer be on a linear schedule. Widespread Internet-TV consumption will be made possible via expanding fiber optic networks, and it will allow advertisers to become more dynamic to a specific viewer’s preferences.

 

Ben Rubenstein ( http://www.twitter.com/yodle ), Yodle ( http://www.yodle.com )

 

ben rubenstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Self-Driving Cars

 

I think you’ll begin to see self-driving cars take root in 2014. Transport trucks, taxi cabs and, finally, consumer-level cars will all be driverless within the next 10 years. However, this next year you’ll see the first steps occur in the consumer space in California.

 

Liam Martin ( http://www.twitter.com/vtamethodman ), Staff.com ( http://www.staff.com )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Virtual Reality for Gaming

 

Gaming technology is evolving fast because it’s such a competitive industry. With the new consoles having the ability to track almost any motion and interaction with the game in real life, it’s only a matter of time until the technology incorporates vision into the experience and literally puts you in the game.

 

Russ Oja, Seattle Windows and Construction, LLC ( http://www.windowseattle.com )

 

russ

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