Google Glass has failed? It seems too early to say

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In January this year, Google shut down the Glass Explorer project. Later, it was reported that Tony Fadell became the new head of the Google Glass project. In the eyes of many people, this indicates that the Google Glass project has failed, or at least has been put on ice. However, after interviewing some industry insiders, Wired believes that it is too early to talk about the failure of Google Glass.

One of the main reasons why Google Glass has been criticized is the privacy issue. This makes it difficult to break through in the consumer field. However, in some special industries, people have a different perception of it. Cognitive neuroscientist Ned Sahin recently founded a startup called Brain Power, trying to help autistic children through Glass. When autistic children communicate with others, the Glass screen can provide guidance, and the gravity sensor on Glass can track their reactions.

“Google is ahead of the curve here. They built a device. Tens of thousands of people tested it over two years,” Sahin said. “People like to bash it because it’s too radical in some way or it doesn’t deliver on some claim — because it didn’t bring us world peace — but it’s still a very mature device compared to wearables from startups and other companies.”

For companies that develop Glass applications, Google has not stopped supporting Glass. On the contrary, Google is still selling them the necessary equipment, and the number of Google employees involved in Glass is also increasing.

"We haven't had any issues with Google Glass devices or support, except that people often ask us what's going on with Google," said Ian Shakil, CEO of Augmedix.com, a company that develops Glass software for medical professionals.

For Sahin and Shakil, the recent media coverage of Glass is confusing because their relationship with Google has not changed. In fact, Google's Glass at Work project is still moving forward.

Of course, as a consumer device, Google Glass is indeed dead. But it is only on hold. Glass was transferred from the Google X department to Tony Fadell. Tony Fadell's team will reportedly develop a brand new version. Ivy Ross, the director of Google Glass, will work under Tony Fadell. He told Wired, "Our recent changes reiterate Google's commitment to wearables. We are building the future of this product."

Image via Wired