Any technology enthusiast can vouch for the fact that not everything that gets displayed at consumer electronic shows will go into production. Most gadgets and devices that seem too good to be true are usually just concept prototypes that have been produced as a one-off. The purpose of these concept devices is to excite the fans and draw in more viewers at the company’s booth. However, once in a blue moon, there emerges a gadget that is destined to stay around. Fans and technology pundits may doubt the viability of such gadgets, but they are often proven wrong by the success of the gadgets. Two such devices revealed recently are Google’s Project Glass and the Kopin-Motorola Golden-i. Both these gadgets are mounted computers that feature head mounted displays. Either of these devices can allow the human eye to access absolutely any information via the Internet. However, only one of these devices is destined for greatness. Here are the top reasons why Project Glass will trounce the Golden-i:
Aesthetics
Right off the bat, it has to be said that the Golden-i is no looker. People have a hard time adjusting to the reality that we may soon be walking around with little computers strapped to our heads. The last thing they need to see is a big bulky piece of plastic equipment that looks like it would be better suited to the helmet of a fighter pilot. By contrast, Google’s Project Glass is a lot more discreet (as discreet as a wearable computer can get) and won’t make the wearer stick out like a sore thumb. Where the Golden-i is big and bulky, Project Glass is sleek and much more aesthetically pleasing.
Operating Software
In the battle between Project Glass and the Golden-i, the operating software will always be the ace up Google’s sleeve. Project Glass will be powered by Google’s very own Android software, that we are well familiar with thanks to its amazing success in the smartphone and tablet sector. The Golden-i, on the other hand, was revealed using Windows CE 6 R3. There is no talk if the final production model will get a software upgrade and it seems that the CE 6 R3 will feature when the Golden-i hits shelves. While the operating system was able to sync flawlessly with Windows 7 devices, it could be a problem for the brand new Windows 8 devices that are rolling out. Project Glass should have no problems synchronizing with the numerous Android powered devices already out there.
Single Company vs. Collaboration
One distinct advantage of Project Glass is that it is the brainchild of one of the largest companies in the world. Google owns numerous patents on Project Glass, making it very difficult for competitors to develop their own version of the product. The Golden-i was developed by the Kopin Corporation, who later approached Motorola to refine and push the model into production. While collaborations between tech companies have been proven to be successful in the past, there is always an iota of risk involved, especially with regard to patents. The fact that Google is a major player in the field of technology and is the only company involved in making Project Glass makes it a much more viable option for consumers.
Project Glass and Golden-i are expected to hit stores by the end of 2013, which means that these devices of the future will be a part of our daily lives sooner than we expect. Although both these devices will see their fair-share of fanboys and detractors, it cannot be doubted that Project Glass will emerge as the winner in the battle of wearable computers.
About the Author: The article is written by Sara Brown. She is a tech blogger and has a keen interest in keeping up with the latest news and updates. She also authors a tech blog and often writes guest posts for Berkeley Sourcing Group, a clothing manufacturing service provider for small business.
