April 10, 2012--Google Glasses

While in New York City recently for a quick visit, on the teeming streets we were run down frequently and literally by texters who couldn't take their eyes off their iPhones.

"It's just like driving on I-95 in Florida," Rona said. "All the cars drifting from lane to lane because the drivers are texting."

So she had a chance to try out her new strategy for dealing with this--refusing to alter her path on the sidewalk and allowing texters to crash into her. "I don't think we should do that on I-95," I said, "One can get killed. But it seems to be working on the streets of New York. People get the point that they should watch where they're going after they bump into me. Especially into my elbow."

It did work for a day or two until Rona was crashed into by a six footer who weighed at least 250 pounds. Even her sharp elbow didn't get the job done. "Maybe we should just stay in our apartment where it's safe," she suggested.

That proved to be a fleeting thought. There was too much to do and so we gave in, dodging and weaving when on the sidewalk so as to avoid disabling collisions.

But things are likely to be worse next time we're back in the Big Apple. That's because Google is about to unveil their latest gadget--internet connected eyeglasses.

These spectacles will include a see-through screen on the lenses that can project maps and other data . The wearer will be able to use voice commands to ask for directions or send a message to a friend. To make matters worse, for those of us who think smart phones already are a menace to safety, privacy, and sanity, be aware that Apple, not to be left in Google's dust, is also working on its version of a wearable computer.

To be sure they stay in the lead, Google is developing something even more ominous or, if you prefer, better--contact lens with embedded electronics.

Not far behind, I am sure, will be computers placed in our brains--or what's left of them--that will pass information directly to our nervous systems, obviating the need for "crude" things such as eyeglasses and contact lenses.

To market its new Google Glasses, they released a video that shows you what these specs can do from the point of view of the glasses themselves. It shows a man wandering the streets of Manhattan (with Rona nowhere in sight) "communicating" with friends, checking out maps, and snapping pictures--the eyeglasses include a camera. At the end, the video shows the man playing the ukulele (!) for friend over a video link.

Once this hits the streets I know for sure that Rona will want to move to the woods. I expect to be happy to join her there.