THE Google Glass

Have you ever imagine traveling abroad wearing glasses that could provide you translations, access and time, give alert when approaching a popular site while allow you taking pictures thanks to verbal command?

Sounds like science fiction? It is actually right around the corner! Watch out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqADdvYbhL0

 

This is called augmented reality: the real-world environment ‘augmented’ by digital information. 

The Google Glass are a form of augmented reality – but not fully functional as many say – and are the most known commercial product of AR by the general public.   

 Recently, the airline Virgin Atlantic conducted a six-weeks experiment in its Upper Class Lounge at London Heathrow airport. Wearing the Google Glass, the staffs are able to provide customized service to enhance customer’s experience. Indeed, the technology provides diverse information when the traveler shows up for check-in. As a result, the staffs already knows the customer’s name, his destination, what he chose to eat in the plane as well as weather and events at his destination. 

 Also, last year, has been launch a new app on smartphone but also on glass revolutionizing the traditional guidebook: Field Trip. This new AR app aims to instantly inform the user by digitally annotating a destination thanks to the GPS. According to NianticLabs Google, the app “helps you learn about everything from local history to the latest and best places to shop, eat, and have fun”. The customer has to select the local feeds he likes and the information pops up on his phone automatically, as he walks next to those places. And so, “the history, architecture, insider tips and hidden gems from over 100 local publisher partners come to life. Right before your eyes”. 

 If you need to get a better idea about Field Trip, watch out the following video:

This app on the Google Glass has been created to make it easier to enjoy a destination. Data are delivered instantly above the right eyeball, and so, no more need to check the mobile phone in your hand which is said to be distracting for the user and take him out of his physical environment. The creators claim that it is the equivalent of taking a local to discover a place.



It aims to be less distractive than a cell phone but it leads the user to be less-needed of others and have the possibility to do everything by his-self. But what if it is actually equally enriching, maybe even more, to discover a place with a local, a real person who knows the place, loves it, and can share with you his own secret stories?



What if it actually feels good to communicate with someone and share with this person? It is also what a travel is about: sharing with others. 

Laura & Jessica

Source 1 ; Source 2; Source 3; Video 1; Video 2