Google Glass: Cool, Strange and Connected

Adam AcarKobe City University of Foreign

Studies

Difficult to Predict the Adoption of New Technologies

9 out of 10 new product launches fail in Japan

Source:

Focus Group Session (May, 2011)

• Participant 1: I would never use Facebook• Participant 2: Facebook has a very complicated interface• Participant 3: Mixi is just fine for Japanese people• Participant 4: Mixi is safer and easier to use

TODAY ALL THESE 4 PEOPLE ARE HEAVY

FACEBOOK USERS!!!

Lit Review

GOOGLE GLASS• Feels socially awkward• Feels connected• Has Privacy issues (hospitals, courts, business

meetings, etc.)

Survey Question: This is a prototype of Google Glass. Please look at it carefully and read the features. Please answer these questions….

SurveySurvey ItemsFOMO (Fear of Missing Out):• When I have a good time, it is important for me to share the details online• I get anxious when I don't know what my friends are up to• I get worried when I find out my friends are having fun without me• Communication Competence• For me, it is difficult to understand other people• I experienced communication problems with some people in this university• I get embarrassed when people compliment me Google Glass• I am very interested in Google Glass• I am willing to pay as much as 40,000 yen to buy Google Glass• I think Google Glass will be popular in Japan

Google GlassI join the activities of NPOs and NGOs .416**Communication Problems .391**FOMO (Fear of Missing out) .319*Approximately how many times did you comment on others' blogs in the past 1 year? .311*APPROXIMATELY How many pictures did you upload to Facebook in the past 3 MONTHS that shows your face? .287*How old are you? -0.172Approximately how many times did you leave a comment on a Youtube video in the past 1 year? -0.176People tell me I am a good listener -0.19I am good at influencing people -0.199Tablet device:Which one of the following devices do you own? -0.234Overall, I am satisfied with my self and my accomplishments in life -0.244Overall I am a happy person:Please indicate your agreement with the following statements -.266*

Conclusions

• We suspect that Google Glass may have a considerable image problem if those who are not competent communicators adopt it first.

• FOMO (Fear of missing out) is likely to be the biggest driver of the adoption.

To cite

• Acar, A. (2013). Google Glass: Cool, strange and connected. Proceedings of the 47th Annual conference of Japan Association of Consumer Studies. Pages 58~59.

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