Ambient Intelligence

Whether you're a  or a 90's-loving Warren G regulator, you'll want to (w)rap your head around how quickly the landscape of marketing and technology is changing.

Or wait. You can have Google do that for you.

Google Glass wraps around your head to give you direct access to information. It eliminates the daunting task of reaching into your pocket or purse for your smartphone…because that's so 1990s.

So how does Glass really work? What does it actually do? And how can you use it for business?

I sat down with Brian Messenlehner, one of the original gangsters…errr…explorers of Google Glass to learn more about how he uses Glass – and why wearable tech is here to stay.

Here is our conversation:

1. Brian, tell me about Google Glass and how you use it. 

Google Glass is basically your smartphone attached to your face. It saves me one step from an email coming in, hearing ding! and looking at the phone. I can simply just see it arrive in my Glass.

2. How do you use it for your business? 

I have custom filters for certain email subjects that come in for new business leads. Whenever there's a new lead created – ping! it shows up in my Google Glass. I also have it hooked up to my Google Calendar so I know what's happening throughout the day.

3. What is the most common misconception with Google Glass?  

A lot of people have this misconception that people who are wearing Google Glass are live streaming everything they see. The thing is, Google Glass is not turned on most of the time. That would run out the battery too quickly. If you're not sure if someone is recording, look for a light inside the glass. If it's not on, the person wearing the Glass is not recording.

4. Technology has become a part of our daily life. And it's changing the way we think. Some argue that we're sacrificing real conversation for mindless connection. How can we fuse the deep meaning and intimacy of relationships while embracing technology as a tool?  

It depends on what the technology is, and how you use the tech. I'm a programmer so I enjoy keeping people connected online. But for people who aren't into tech in this same way, there are plenty of ways that they can use tech in their day-to-day life.

Doctors can use it for surgeries. Construction companies can use it to keep track of progress. Teachers can use it to give lessons. In any industry where there's a senior person who needs to instruct or educate someone else, tech is a powerful tool.

At the same time, we can't forget that technology is just that – a tool to help humans connect. We can't remove human relationships from the equation. As we enter the next phase of technology, we're evolving towards transhumanism. We need to constantly ask questions, connect with each other in meaningful ways, and not forget that we're (still) human.

5. How can we expect more from each other – as human beings – and less from technology as we evolve towards using technology more and more? 

We need to let human interactions guide the way instead of the other way around. I'm all for automation. I use iftt.com to make life more efficient. But we can't forget that efficiency is created to make life better. We can't forget to embrace actually living. Because if we can't use technology to make life more meaningful, then we'll be expecting more from technology, and less from humans. And that's a slippery slope.

6. Google recently teamed up and partnered with Oakley and RayBan. Will this “ungeekify” wearable tech at all?

Wearable tech is here. And it's hip. People approach me all of the time and think it's pretty cool that I'm wearing Google Glass. We're going to be seeing a lot more interest, especially now that Google is teaming up with popular sunglass brands.

Sports teams are using it too. The Indiana Pacers are experimenting with how technology can change the way fans watch the game. Glass and wearable tech are in its infancy. It's exciting to see where we'll be three years from now.

7. Facebook recently bought Oculus, a virtual reality gaming company. Google has Glass. What do you think Apple is working on? 

Facebook bought Oculus so that they can get into the gaming industry and compete against Microsoft xbox and Sony Playstation. Gamification is going to be huge, especially in the media and entertainment industries.

But going back to Apple…my prediction is that Apple will create the iBrain and people will be able to telepathically communicate with each other. The next phase of transhumanism is connecting the internet to our brains. An example of how this can be used is… let's say you are visiting a new city, and need to know how to get around. You could simply use iBrain to download the city map into your memory so that you know all of the roads and shortcuts as if you'd live there for ten years.

8. You're in San Francisco right now at the ultimate Apple fan event, Macworld. What are you doing there? 

We're showing people how easy it is to build apps across all of the mobile platforms with WordPress. This is a huge benefit for small and mid-sized businesses that don't have the funds to build a custom mobile app.

Thank you for joining me, Brian! 

Don't be any geek off the street.

Learn more by joining Brian and I on Friday, April 11th for a Webinar. 

(Warren G rap optional).