The Successes and Failures of Google Glass: A Retrospective Analysis

While Google may not have been the first to introduce smart glasses, their launch of Google Glass certainly brought the concept into the mainstream. Looking back 13 years later, the impact of Glass can be seen as both positive and negative. On one hand, Glass sparked innovation and imagination in how we interact with computers, offering a new way to engage without constantly staring at screens. On the other hand, it also raised concerns about the implications of a society filled with wearable technology. The question remains: did Glass pave the way for a new era of technology, or did it simply create a new breed of “Glassholes”?

In this installment of Version History, we delve into the history of Google Glass. Join David Pierce, Victoria Song, and tech journalist David Imel as they recount the origins of Glass in a moonshot lab in Mountain View, its significant cultural impact, the immediate backlash it faced, and its somewhat unexpected disappearance. But is Glass truly gone, or is it already making a comeback?

This marks the beginning of season two of Version History, where we have taken into account feedback from our viewers to make some improvements. We have revamped our Version History Questions, clarified the criteria for our Hall of Fame, and are showcasing more of your stories and inquiries. We appreciate all the support and feedback we have received so far, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on these changes!

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And for those looking to explore the significant moments in the history of Google Glass, here are some recommended links to get you started: