Eric Schmidt, the executive chairman of Google, is positive that the Google Glass will make a successful comeback. As told through an interview conducted by the Wall Street Journal, Schmidt stated that Google is not giving up on its smart eyewear, even though it has already ceased selling the device.
According to Schmidt, the Google Glass remains an important and fundamental platform for Google. And while others may view the sales shutdown of the device as a death sentence, Schmidt explains that it may have provided the company with a great opportunity to further fine tune the Google Glass and make it ready for consumers.
When the Google Glass was first introduced by Google more than a couple of years ago, the world was awed by this little piece of technology. Its features and capabilities were certainly impressive -- it could take pictures, and even connect to the web. In 2013, Google started selling the Google Glass to Explorers -- particular people who planned to explore other potential ways in which the device can be used. By May 2014, Google has begun selling the device to the public.
But despite its groundbreaking technology, the device never really took off with the masses. In January of this year, Google had revealed that it would stop selling the Google Glass Explorer Edition. The tech giant further announced that it would move the Google Glass project from its highly secretive Google X research laboratory into Google proper. Now, the project is under the leadership of Tony Fadell, who once brought Apple’s iPod to the mainstream.
By basically getting back to square one, Google is essentially giving itself a good opportunity to learn from its first attempt and try to correct its mistakes in bringing the Google Glass to life. Fadell appears to be the perfect man for the job. And the company is expecting some results, maybe a new, better version of the Google Glass sometime later this year or the next.
As for the earlier reports that the Google Glass was being killed off entirely, it just might have been overreaction on the part of the media and the consumers, too. The Google Glass was not always universally accepted after all. Many had thought that the devices were bordering on intrusive, especially if worn by users who did not know any better (or had unfortunate lack of manners).
But things may be different this year. For one, there is an increased appreciation and awareness for all types of wearable devices. The Apple Watch, of course, has plenty to do with making the idea of purchasing wearable devices. Who knows? The Google Glass might just have the opening it needs to make a comeback.
