Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has predicted the future of mobile technology for the consumer. If they have anything to say about it, current smartphones may become a thing of the past. This innovative new technology is being developed by Project Glass, a research and development department in Google.
Glass uses a miniature computer that displays a holographic user display; this allows the user to take pictures, record 720p HD video, share images with friends and provide hands-free access to the Internet. Apps for Glass will enable users to translate languages, check flight reservations and much more. The interface is controlled by voice recognition and swipes of the control bar on one side of the frame.
Marketing of Glass
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Glass is currently being marketed to tech bloggers, software developers and techies. A “skim” marketing strategy will probably be applied to Glass, focusing on celebrities and people in the public eye. Google will use niche penetration of this product by focusing on a specific demographic who will then influence the mainstream masses to try the device out. Just as the cell phone was specifically marketed to businessmen and doctors when it first came out, Google Glass will slowly trickle down into general use.
Google Glass is basically a $1,500.00 smartphone that you can wear. There already exists a demand for this product as indicated by numerous people signing up in hopes of testing the product before it becomes widely available.
The Google Glass campaign is being marketed via social media, with more than 1.3 million mentions on Twitter to date. Check out the #ifihadglass hashtag on Twitter regarding Project Glass to see how the company is creating a lot of buzz. Saturday Night Live (SNL) even did a spoof on Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Glass that will bring more attention to this innovative device as well.
Fashionable iconic tech
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Glass will have the function of smartphones but will also be a fashion iconic accessory. I predict this technology will blow up globally with celebrities and supermodels rocking this new look.
Warby Parker, the New York-based company, designs eyewear for $95 and now offers sunglasses for $150 as well. Warby’s eyewear sells directly to consumers, allowing them to order directly from the manufacturer to keep prices low in comparison to other brand names. This software company may be partnering with Google to design the look of Glass.
The popularity of this hip company has led to the launch of a retail store in NYC, with another store planned for Boston as well. $41 million investment income has been raised since the first store opened earlier in 2013, although the majority of their products are sold online.
Warby Parker shipped more than 100,000 glasses in 2011 and had expanded from 60 employees to more than 113 employees by the end of 2012. David Gilboa and Neil Blumenthal, the founders of the company, filed with the SEC September 09, 2012 with $36,800,004 sold.
AMEX is investing in the future
How will American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) benefit from investing in Warby Parker? Aside from offering stylish, eclectic eyewear at affordable prices, Warby has a virtual try-on feature that allows potential consumers to view how glasses will look on them online before purchase. If Warby partners with Google they will definitely design Google Glass to be less geeky and awkward looking. Less nerdy-looking glasses equates to more sales and a broader consumer base.
