Eli Pariser briefly touches on the possible capabilities, good and bad of Google Glass. In class we we were quite polarized of either being for or against this idea of technology. But it is still early to predict actual outcomes since we are still in the prototype stage of Google Glass.

A ski goggle manufacturer has released onto the market something similar to Google Glass. Oakley Airwave goggles have a built-in display that integrates GPS, Bluetooth and more with a host of on-board sensors to provide a bunch of information in your peripheral vision. Oakley claims “When you are active on the mountain, you will have clear and open vision without obstruction or distraction. When it is time to stop and review your performance or get vital information, you simply move your eye toward the miniature prism lens. The displayed information will appear as though you are looking at a 14-inch display from a distance of five feet, so refocusing your eye is not necessary.”

Features:
-jump analytics that show distance, height and airtime.
-Preloaded maps available for many resorts, you can find your location and even track others in your group.
-Additional sensor information includes altitude, speed and vertical descent data.
-Bluetooth connectivity allows pairing with a compatible smartphone for immediate viewing of incoming calls and text messages, and if your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone has music, your playlists can be accessed and controlled.

For the price of $600 you get a pretty impressive piece of technology, especially since their regular goggles without any electronics embedded average around $200-$300. I am still waiting to experience these goggles in person, but as of now I love the whole idea of it. It seems not too far in the future that the sport of skiing/snowboarding will be like driving a Mercedes with all of the information you need right on your dashboard (or in your goggles).

link to Oakley Airwave webpage:
http://www.oakley.com/products/7094/27029