Google Glass may be the most hyped piece of technology in years, but according to a new study, only one in 10 American smartphone owners would wear the high-tech specs regularly.
Social awkwardness was the top reason why people said they would steer clear of Google's smart and web-connected glasses, a new report, called Google Glass Adoption Forecast, has revealed.
Conducted by BiTE interactive, which surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults, 45% of respondents said they wouldn't wear Google Glass because of its awkward aesthetic or because the device seemed irritating.
Even if it were priced low enough — much lower than the $1,500 it is going for now during its beta period — about 38% of respondents said they still wouldn't wear it.
Not everyone is against Glass. About 44% of those who would wear the gadget cited taking pictures as its most compelling feature, while 39% said they would want to make phone calls with it and 37% want to use it to record video.
"Google Glass represents a profound social barrier for the average consumer," Joseph Farrell, EVP of operations at BiTE interactive, told Mashable. "At best, they see a Glass user as someone who prioritizes information access over a personal connection with others."
"At worst, they fear social sleights of hand: researching topics, recording video or Googling a person in mid-conversation," he continued. "Overall, what Glass offers is combination of high social rejection with features the average person simply doesn't value over their current smartphone."
Do you agree that Google Glass is socially invasive? Would you wear it? Let us know in the comments.
By Samantha Murphy Image via Mashable, Nina Frazier
