Google Glass, a wearable device that connects to a users smartphone and provides information on a small screen above your right eye, has had a tumultuous year since its debut. Early adopters, dubbed "Explorers", were exclusively chosen by
Google via Twitter, though the program has since expanded. Those explorers have been testing the capabilities, usefulness and social acceptability of Google Glass for the past year. In a year when American concerns over personal privacy have spiked, the glasses-like device, equipped with a camera, has been
ill received in many establishments and communities. Now, some recent projects involving the use of Google Glass in back-of-house operations are showing that the device may have a place in restaurants and bars after all.
Google Glass is one of those quasi-futuristic devices that comes to mind when you think of films such as Minority Report and the Matrix, out-of-this-world technology that brings you relevant information as needed. So far though, the device has proven fairly unpopular, receiving more bad press than good. Part of that has to do with the terrible timing, as American's grapple with privacy concerns sparked by the
NSA controversy. Google Glass's inbuilt camera seems to be the main point, with many consumers expressing displeasure at the possibility of being covertly observed (imagine that). Earlier this year, a San Francisco woman was
allegedly assaulted for wearing the device in a bar, prompting a few establishments throughout the city to discourage, and in some
cases outright ban, the use of Google Glass on their premises.
Despite those obstacles, Google Glass is now showing promise in other areas, such as inventory management and training. As
QSR Magazine reports, brands such as KFC and Capriotti's Sandwich Shop have begun exploring the use of glass for back-of-house operations, with sucess. KFC, with the help of Interapt, a mobile technology strategy firm, has created a
bespoke Google Glass application for training new employees using hands on videos. KFC and Interapt described the experiment, which lasted from November 2013 through March of this year, as a success, noting that employees were able to learn tasks very quickly, and use the device for quick instructions when needed. As
QSR notes, the devices also shows promise for things such as appliance tech support, were off-site technicians can take advantage of Google Glass's camera to see exactly what store managers see.
Seeing as Google's device has yet to be adopted widely, and as they are quite expensive at $1500 per pair, it is safe to say it will be quite some time before the device becomes standard fare in restaurants and bars. The largest hurdle, as
QSR mentions, is consumer's aversion to the device. Though as with all technology, things move and improve quickly. Now that 58% of Americans own a smartphone, it is safe to say that new technologies such as Glass (provided it is actually useful) will fast become mainstream devices.
What do you think, is Google Glass the next frontier for restaurant efficiency, or are the privacy concerns too much to overcome? Be sure to check out the source link below for more information, and let us know what you think via Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
Source:
QSR Magazine,
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