Ward 1

Estephanie Ward

Professor Schultes

Economics 202

13 November 2013

Google Patenting an Electronic “Throat Tattoo”

According to Doug Gross of CNN, Google is working on their next wearable device

which is an electronic tattoo that may be worn on the neck or shirt collar. His article, Google

Patenting an Electronic “Throat Tattoo”, talks about Google’s latest innovation that will be

able to communicate with smartphones and other devices “via a Bluetooth-style connection and

would include a microphone and power source.” The electronic tattoo appears to be between the

size of a postage stamp and a Band-Aid. The device will adhere to the neck area via an adhesive

which will stick to skin or clothing; “the electronic tattoo can also be applied to an animal as

well.” With the rapidly emerging trend of wearable devices the electronic tattoo will allow

Google to be a major pioneer in this emerging market. Just last week Google-owned Motorola

Mobility filed for a patent for their electronic throat tattoo, the patent cited the mechanics of the

device and the possible uses that can be derived from the device.. It appears that for Google’s

bottom line a monopoly in this market may be in reach if their competitors don’t catch up soon

Optionally, Google’s product can further be used for “galvanic skin response detector to

detect skin resistance of a user,” basically their product could double as a lie detector. Although

this product will not be in stores any time soon, consumers could still feel apprehensive about

walking around with a lie detector adhered to their person which could negatively affect

Ward 2

Google’s bottom line in the future. Alternatively, if this feature is successful this product could

open a new market for Google that could benefit their bottom line; markets such as court circuits,

correctional facilities, and government related activities. Another use for this product is for

ingoing and outgoing calls that will make audio clearer which will make talking in crowded

rooms easier, as well as making earphones obsolete for music listening. For Google, securing a

patent on this type of wearable device will be a move to secure the forefront in a growing sector

that could help usher Google into the future.

This type of device is still in its infancy, but if Google can produce a device that breaks

the limitations of our current devices, then Google can attain a profitable bottom line. Doug

Gross does a good job of analyzing Google’s new product and plainly delivering the facts

surrounding the product. This article is a positive for the firm’s bottom line because they are

advertising Google’s newest innovation on well-traveled news site. If Google manages to present

this new product properly with their promised enhancements, this will only push them further

toward a profitable bottom line. The article lists other competitors with wearable tech coming to

market soon, but these might be left in the shadows of Google’s new Glass and Tattoo that will

give their customers the most utility possible. If Google manages to market their new product

effectively, this will only push them further toward profitability.