Google Glass 2.0 Is a Startling Second Act, Essay Example

Introduction

Authored by Stephen Levy, the article titled “Google Glass 2.0 is a Startling Second Act” was published in 2017. The author writes about “Google Glass” a voice-controlled, wearable and Android run device resembling a pair of eyeglasses. The device according to the article can display data and information in the user’s field of vision directly. The device which was produced for the first time by Google’s futuristic technology lab, Google X was officially launched back in 2012 and made available to developers and testers in early 2013. As such, this technology as per the article’s time frame has been in existence for six years. It was an innovation of the company and its parent corporation. The initial design of Glass, known as “Explorer Edition” was a consumer version meant for the general public. However, after numerous complaints regarding privacy issues and the bulky and unattractive appearance, the company opted to go the enterprise way by targeting the business community through the new “Enterprise Edition “ (EE) of Glass. The primary purpose of this article is to outline the rebirth of a technology that had received a lot of attention when it was first launched. Levy targets the enterprise audience because the report mainly focuses on the application of technology in the business environment.

Technical Summary

The innovative device based on Levy’s assertions offers an improved reality capability to the user through the utilization of location-based, auditory and graphic inputs to show applicable and real-time information. For instance, when a user enters an airport in the case of the Explorer version, he/she is automatically able to receive flight status information. An operator can also manually regulate the glass through a touchpad located on the frame and also automatically through speech. The device’s operating system is based on an Android version and is capable of running Glassware application, specially optimized for Glass. Besides, the equipment has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity as well as a camera for capturing motion pictures and still images. Unlike the previous explorer edition, the newly announced enterprise edition is less of a social device, but more of a tool purely meant to get the work done. The new Glass EE runs on one application only that is necessary for the particular work environment.

Patterns of Organization

The author has incorporated various patterns, and the most prominent of these are the description regarding the use of Google Glass from the perspective of the multiple enterprise consumers.  The author gives numerous examples of how the futuristic device has helped ease how business is conducted within the enterprise world as well as how it has improved efficiency and speeds. These patterns are evident right from the start where Levy described Heather Erickson, a worker at an old factory known as Jackson, Minnesota. The author explains how the device helps her walk through her shifts at the factory’s station 50 where she works in the building of tractor motors. Even though Glass EE was officially announced in 2017, the author notes that factories such as Jackson and Boeing have been using the devices quietly in many of their workplaces. This according to the article was to avoid the initial mistake of jumping in into the vast consumer market without sufficient research regarding its acceptability and adoption. Google according to the author has thus been targeting the enterprise market and has already sold hundreds of the improved version of Google Glass. The description and example offered by the author are effective in delivering the message to the audience. It is because the article does not just describe the re-introduction of the device, he is keen to ensure that he provides specific examples which include names of the companies that have adopted the Glass EE and even the perspectives from individual workers and managers. Some of these companies according to Levy include GE, Volkswagen Boeing, and DHL.

Claims and Evidence

The author makes several claims mostly regarding the future of the device and its applications. One such claim is that the acceptability and the consequent adoption of the new Glass EE within the enterprise field are mainly because of the simplistic and dedicated operating system. This according to the article has ensured that the devices are not used for other unnecessary purposes as well as the increased data privacy capacity. Further, according to the author, the adoption of the invention is mainly a result of the reduced average weight, and the new look which is similar to the OSHA specified safety eyewear. The support provided by the author is adequate considering that many of the interviewed stakeholders cited the same features as the main reason for using these devices.

Design and Visuals

One of the most prominent and eye-catching layout features in this article is big images, the biggest of all being at the top of the page. All the images used are prominently displayed and well distributed throughout the piece. The photos are crucial as they in driving the message home because they set mood and tone while at the same time creating visual interest and color as help put a picture or reality to the description. The different visuals used are a critical part of the message as a whole as they show the device in actual use. The visuals are strategically and evenly placed within the essay after a deception of the use of this device in different companies. Even though the visuals used are not accompanied by captions the description offered within the text is strategic and sufficient to connect the content of the images to the whole work. Further, the visuals are in full HD and thus clear enough for the reader to easily figure out they are meant to explain or show. The visuals are entirely accurate as they show the device in use just as describe in the text.

Evaluative Conclusion

The article in no small extent fulfills its intended purpose as it provides adequate and reliable information on the researched topic. First, the description is fully exhaustive with very little being left to the imagination. The author incorporates a variety of methods and approaches is ranging from visual representations, interviews, and examples to offer a comprehensive analysis of the device for his audience. The article is mainly telling the revival or reintroduction story of Google Glass into the enterprise world. It involves examples, explanation, and description of the entire process from the initial introduction back in 2012 to the recent announcement of the new Glass EE in 2017. The story is sufficiently compelling as it starts by telling why the initial introduction of the device failed and the various steps that have been taken to ensure better adoption rate and acceptability in the new enterprise market.

Work Cited

Levy, Steven. “Google Glass 2.0 Is A Startling Second Act | Backchannel”. WIRED, 2017, https://www.wired.com/story/google-glass-2-is-here/.