Gartner Inc. claims that as early as 2017, web-connected eyewear, such as Google Glass and Gear Glass by Samsung, could bring in billions of dollars a year for businesses that use them.
According to Angela McIntyre, research director at Gartner, these savings would stem from an increase in efficiency and production for technicians, engineers and employees in the field, in maintenance, health and production services. With this type of device, young employees could learn to perform a task by following instructions displayed on the Glass or workers could resolve problems quicker at remote sites.
Furthermore, the American company, Rochester Optical, recently announced that it will be manufacturing ophthalmic lenses for the Google Glass as of January 2014. This will make the Glass more accessible to the general population. Since there is currently no agreement binding Rochester Optical and Google, the lenses will need to be ordered separately.
Google also sees a possible competitor emerging from an unexpected sector. Japanese car maker Nissan has indicated its intention to launch its own web-connected glasses. Nissan will show its prototype at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show. The 3E glasses will be able to display navigation data, capture the health status of the driver and his/her car, and even send photos and videos.
What remains to be seen is whether the authorities will approve wearing these glasses while driving; they already have to deal with the epidemic of drivers who text behind the wheel
Sources:
http://www.acuite.fr/articles.asp?REF=9126
