Google Glass may seem a bit sci-fi, something you are more likely to find in Blade Runner or Total Recall than in real life, but if rumours are to be believed, this new technology from Google will hit the shelves some time in 2014.
Now in its testing phase – released last April to early adopters via a lottery – Google Glass is expected to revolutionise the way we access information. According to Google, it will “be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don’t”.
So, how does it work? Google Glass provides users access to a data screen within their field of vision, allowing them to look up information, access apps, take photos and videos, and so on. Users can control Google Glass with voice commands or with taps and gestures on the touch-sensitive bar on the side of the frame.
While Google Glass is not available to the general public as yet, some organisations are readying Google Glass apps in preparation for its launch. One such organisation is Australian start-up Pocketbook.
Well-known for its popular budgeting app – now used by more than 60,000 Australians – Pocketbook is embracing the new wearable technology, this week announcing the creation of its Google Glass Pocketbook app.
Pocketbook CEO Alvin Singh wearing Google Glass
Pocketbook CEO Alvin Singh believes wearable technologies will be “the next frontier for consumer devices”, and that banks and finance companies will have to start developing ways to keep pace with consumer demands.
“Mobile banking has overtaken banking via the desktop in recent years and it has happened tremendously quickly after the wider adoption of smartphones. That trend is increasing at an astounding pace,” Singh said.
“There’s no doubt that personal banking will move beyond mobile as device adoption of personal wearable devices increases. We are already starting to see the early stages of this – Fitbit was the most sought-after electronic gadget this past Christmas.”
Aussie banks slow to innovate
Pocketbook’s impetus for creating the Google Glass app came from observing increased consumer frustration with slow bank innovation.
“We’ve seen a lot of consumer frustration with banking innovation locally,” Singh said “For instance, only three of the top 10 banking apps on the Apple App Store rate above four stars – and none from the Big 4 Banks.”
By using Google Glass as a platform, Pocketbook has been able to take advantage of the next phase of “personal internet” technology.
“The ability to richly communicate without any physical interaction is the real innovation,” Singh said.
“Glass creates a means of intertwining everyday consumption with the world of banking in a seamless way – which pushes the boundaries of what we’re able to achieve today in building the simplest service to manage your money.”
Pocketbook and Google Glass
The Pocketbook Google Glass app will work in much the same way as the traditional mobile app, except that it will provide information to the user in a more accessible way.
By combining information from bank statements, bills and receipts, Pocketbook reminds users when bills are due, and helps them organise their spending into categories, using a budget to tell them when they can “Safely Spend”.
When using Google Glass, all this information is accessible on-the-go within the user’s field of vision. As well as Safely Spend details, the app provides useful information such as reviews, price comparisons, and where to find nearby ATMs.
Safely Spend at the coffee shop
Safely Spend at the Electronic Store
ATM map for multiple banks
Details of bank account
Credit: Pocketbook
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