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I think Google will pursue a smart enough strategy when it comes to marketing this device. The fact that they are working with fashion shows and Warby Parker is

I think Google will pursue a smart enough strategy when it comes to marketing this device. The fact that they are working with fashion shows and Warby Parker is a good indicator. That being said, I think the philosophy behind the product development of Google Glass (and most other Google products) is to to focus on being competitive in features, then the marketing is the icing on the cake. From that point of view, having developers trying them first so that great ideas can be implemented before the mass market makes more sense.

mratzloff 13y ago
Google is great at producing technology. But most people don't want technology; they want products. Google is pretty clueless when it comes to making products.[1] The fact that they are working with fashion shows and Warby Parker is a good indicator. It's a good indicator that design is an afterthought to them. Which is more likely? a) Google approached the company at the beginning of the project and worked with them throughout the process. b) Google approached the company toward the end of the project, after the technical components were done. Given the outcome and Google's track record, I'd say B is more likely. That being said, I think the philosophy behind the product development of Google Glass (and most other Google products) is to to focus on being competitive in features, then the marketing is the icing on the cake. Competitive with what? Smartphones? No one will buy Google Glass as a replacement for a smartphone. Marketing is everything for a product like this. From that point of view, having developers trying them first so that great ideas can be implemented before the mass market makes more sense. Google is doing this because they see developers (gadget geeks) as their evangelizers. They're replaying the Gmail strategy. But Gmail doesn't make you look like a guy with a cell phone clipped to his belt. [1] There are some exceptions, like Google Maps and Google Now.
- supercanuck 13y ago
  I think folks are looking at this device as a technological innovation and forgetting that it is also a fashion accessory. I'm hoping Google doesn't make that mistake, but early commentary seems to suggest they are.
snowwrestler 13y ago
The device is already being marketed--by SNL.

mratzloff 13y ago

Google is great at producing technology. But most people don't want technology; they want products. Google is pretty clueless when it comes to making products.[1] The fact that they are working with fashion shows and Warby Parker is a good indicator. It's a good indicator that design is an afterthought to them. Which is more likely? a) Google approached the company at the beginning of the project and worked with them throughout the process. b) Google approached the company toward the end of the project, after the technical components were done. Given the outcome and Google's track record, I'd say B is more likely. That being said, I think the philosophy behind the product development of Google Glass (and most other Google products) is to to focus on being competitive in features, then the marketing is the icing on the cake. Competitive with what? Smartphones? No one will buy Google Glass as a replacement for a smartphone. Marketing is everything for a product like this. From that point of view, having developers trying them first so that great ideas can be implemented before the mass market makes more sense. Google is doing this because they see developers (gadget geeks) as their evangelizers. They're replaying the Gmail strategy. But Gmail doesn't make you look like a guy with a cell phone clipped to his belt. [1] There are some exceptions, like Google Maps and Google Now.

supercanuck 13y ago
I think folks are looking at this device as a technological innovation and forgetting that it is also a fashion accessory. I'm hoping Google doesn't make that mistake, but early commentary seems to suggest they are.

snowwrestler 13y ago

The device is already being marketed--by SNL.