Life in the 'Now' - Google Glass

When it comes to big, ambitious projects - Google isn't a company to shy away. Google Maps, Street View, Google Fiber, Driverless Cars ... the list could go on. Google Glass is no different. I've been following the progress of Project Glass since it's announcement April 2012 and have dramatically mixed feelings of excitement and fear for this project, allured by some curiosity and wonder. I'll outline why in this post.

If you don't know; Google Glass is a head-mounted display, which provides an interface for you -- like you were playing a first person game - your health, a map and information is displayed in the corners; this is essentially that. For a better explanation, watch this prototype video from April 2012:

Looks pretty amazing, right? If you've read any of my previous posts (thanks!), you'll see that I absolutely love Android, Google Now & the idea of a technological ecosystem - Google Glass is essentially Google Now with a much bigger UI. However, this project does raise a lot of pros and cons for me.

I think it's ridiculously innovative, it's going to be painfully convenient, especially for map following! If you have a smartphone, you already have information about anything you want, at any time in your pocket. Just a Google search away. With Glass, you can simply look at something, ask Glass and you have information in your line-of-sight. I usually don't like the phrase, but the possibilities are endless.

What scares me, aside from the fact that I think this may only be voice controlled -- can you imagine going to the Eiffel Tower and having hundreds of people shouting "GLASS, TAKE A PICTURE!" -- is augmented reality.

Augmented reality scares me, because while it can do so much good, it can also be so dangerous. If you don't know, augmented reality is basically "CGI" for real life. In the video, the text messages and map directions were augmented reality. It's adding a graphical layer over 'real life' - here's a better video example:

Tinfoil hat time, now! What happens when augmented reality is used for billboards and advertisements that appear in your face. Google is primarily an advertising company, after all. What's to stop companies wanting artificial advertisements placed in 'convenient' places for the consumer?

The real reason augmented reality scares me, is that while we have the ability to add things, we also have the ability to cover things. If that doesn't ring alarm bells for you, here's why I think it should: it opens up an entire new generation of censorship. This video demonstrates such ability.

Companies & Government could restrict how, when & why we can use such technologies (like Apples already demonstrated stranglehold on their own technology). I think the most horrifying thought is how easily things can be censored and removed. Compare it to Chinese internet filter, where the government block free information they don’t want their people to see; now imagine that, but for reality.

I don’t think I even have to go into how fraudsters, hackers & criminals could use this technology to their advantage.

Not to mention that there could no longer be anonymity. The world as we know it is hellbent on online social networking & always being connected. If, for example, AR technology had Facebook (or whatever popular social networking site is the most popular at the time) integration. The technology could be used to identify any detail one places on their Facebook page just by simply looking at the person and having facial recognition (a technology Facebook has actually introduced) do the rest.

If you also want another reason why I'm hesitant on Project Glass, think back to Black Mirror's "The Entire History of You" (4od link!)

Tinfoil hat aside, I still am excited to see how this project grows and definitely want to have some form of involvement in it. I just hope they release a model compatible for people with glasses...

2013 Clothing Wishlist Recap

I've added a brief wishlist of a couple of items to the sidebar that I'm going to be searching for throughout 2013; they're mostly my sought-after or 'heat' pieces. I'm pretty bored as it's 11:30pm, so here's recap:

If you're selling any of the below, please do get in contact with me

pinkwriting@gmail.com

I wear mediums in shirts, Sz 10 in shoes.

Supreme x Kermit The Frog Red or Teal
I'd consider this one of my 'grail' pieces. If you were to ask me why, I honestly couldn't answer you. I just really like it. One of the possible reasons I'm so heavily after one is because I was sold a fake one a good few months ago. I think it's stubbornness making me do this, so I'd definitely prefer the red colourway because it compliments the green, but I wouldn't mind either.

BAPE x ADIDAS x UNDFTD Campus 80s

Just look at them, they're beautiful.

BAPE x Fred Perry

I've always had a spot for Fred Perry polo shirts ~ as well as polo shirts in general. I've always felt that Fred Perry polo's fit very comfortably and feel more natural to wear over others, while maintaining a snug, strong and warm feel. (same with Lyle & Scott). I'd opt for either white or black colourways. Possibly one of the more unattainable pieces in this list, but who knows?

Stefan Janoski Wino

I feel like I shouldn't love these, but I do. I just do. At the moment, I would class this line of Nike SB's as my favourite; as this year I would like to get more varying colourways. Simply because they are just too damn comfortable. I enjoy the no bullshit, casual look of them, did I mention how comfortable they are? This year, I'd like to cop a pair of Wino Janoski. Released only in Asia, usually go for about double the price of standard Janoski. Finding these in a Size 10, in the UK may prove difficult.

Whilst on the subject of Janoski; I do love this design, I do love the style; however if I had to pick one pair of sneakers that could fall under the same deathtrap as the Classic Vans, Nike Blazer & more recently the Puma Suedes - it'd have to be the Janoski. That or Gazelles.

Comme Des Fuckdown beanie

Following the pattern of rarities on this list, this one may be out of place, seen as it is readily available at a decent price, even after international shipping. I think this is simply a hype piece; evidenced by the onslaught of fakes on eBay (why sell a fake of something readily available?). I do think it is a nice hat, it's in your face, but not as in your face as the crewneck or pullover.

BAPE x Supreme

Undoubtedly what will be the hardest to obtain from this list. Originally released in 2003; most of these went to friends of BAPE & Supreme at the time. As you can probably tell, there is an onslaught of BAPE in this wishlist. This is partly due to our prediction of 2013 being the 'Year of The BAPE'; as it's their 20th anniversary this year, I'm certain they're going to come out with something big. I'm fairly certain I won't own a Supreme x Bape piece. It's something that I won't go out of my way to find, but if it appears, I'll go for it, I may even have to size up to a large...

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There are some other items in the wishlist that I didn't mention, I thought I'd just write about what I'd more like to find.

If you're selling any of the above, please do get in contact with me

pinkwriting@gmail.com

I wear mediums in shirts, Sz 10 in shoes.

so we filmed in a sweet shop

Last week, we had the opportunity to film new talent Cannon Street for the 14th chapter of our Croft Sessions saga. We sat and had drinks with the acoustic duo of whom are very, very friendly people. We chatted, discussed ideas and the Birmingham talent.

Something I love about doing these sessions is that we get to meet such an array of talent and people who have not just an interest in music, but a genuine passion to reach and perfect it; to get involved in the music scene. I've always known that Birmingham is full of special, hidden talents, to which I feel these Croft Sessions do their part in proving that. Quality over quantity.

This particular session was filmed in Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop; a traditional sweet store in the Great Westerne Arcade. Once we asked if we could film, they shut their doors of customers and left us alone to film, and we're so glad they did.

We have 2 more songs to release with Cannon Street across the upcoming weeks, starting 2013 off in incredible fashion - and, if these are anything to go by, 2013 is going to be an incredible year.

Watch this space.

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