Technology doesn't always necessarily enhance our lives.
Just look at the statistics on road accidents caused by people using their smart phones while driving and you can see at least one place where tech actually gets in the way of what we need to do.
As for myself, I've smacked into a street sign while attempting to check my email and walk at the same time, so I can tell you firsthand that even simple human mechanics are impeded when using certain technology.
Also, I'm apparently quite the klutzy doofus.
But despite new laws banning the use of smart phones while driving, I see people yakking or texting while on the road on a daily basis.
I, on the other hand, never walk-and-email anymore, thanks to that fateful meeting of noggin and cold, solid metal. I'll never get the sound, or dent, out of my head.
But people's steadfast resolve to use their smart phones anywhere and everywhere, despite laws and common courtesy (guy chatting on the phone in the movie theatre, I'm looking at you), just shows how we're ready for a new kind of hands-free version of the tech.
Well, this past week, Google previewed exactly what geeks have been wanting in the form of Project Glass - a pair of "augmented reality" glasses that may enable users to check their emails without dinging into posts.
The Google Glasses from Project Glass feature a solid metal band running across the brow line with a small heads-up display on the right side. According to videos presenting the concept, the glasses connect to your smart phone and allow you to check and send text and email messages, see maps and information, and take pictures and chat just using voice control. In one scene, while wearing the glasses, a man looks out the window and immediately the overlay presents him with weather and temperature information.
It's kind of the equivalent of having Terminator vision (like Arnie in the Terminator movies) or a HUD (head's-up-display) like Iron Man had inside his helmet.
Despite rumours that the product will hit the shelves later this year, Google says it is still in the concept phase. But, considering the buzz about it now, it may come sooner than we think.
The question remains whether this new technology can be integrated into our lives seamlessly. More importantly, can I check emails while walking and keep my skull intact?
Although I'll be one of the first people in line to buy these things when they come out, I still can't help think that having more things crowding my field of vision won't prevent doofus-related-accidents.
Won't it be a bit distracting to be driving and have icons and do-ma-hickies bouncing up and down or popping up in front of your eyes?
Apparently not, according to some tech folks who have seen prototypes. They say it gets the tech out of your way because you never have to reach inside your pocket to answer a call, check the Internet or take a quick picture.
Until it comes out, we can speculate, but I for one can't wait to take the Google Glasses out for a test drive well, walk and see if my head survives.
