What RFID might tell us about the future of Google Glass

Remember when RFID was hot? Remember when every technology analyst and basement-dwelling industry pundit promised all items would have RFID tags and our shopping experience would be seamless and happy? RFID is a great idea that never made the leap to broad acceptance because it didn’t offer additional value. We already have bar codes on packaging that add no additional cost per unit. Given the slim margins in retail, an added penny would be too much, never mind the commonly quoted cost of 5 cents per RFID tag. Add privacy and accuracy concerns to the mix and RFID was destined for a life in specialized applications where the value proposition was clear. For example, anyone skiing at Alta/Snowbird will get a lift tag with an RFID imbedded. Eliminating the labor needed to scan tickets made sense, although not all ski resorts have seen the value.

And that brings us to Google Glass, a great idea still looking for a broad-based application. Let’s face it, Google Glass is about as cool as a Segway. My unofficial teenager survey called it “not steezy” (stylish and easy). It passes the early adopter geek test and there’s no doubt it will have value in specific situations but there are three things that make me skeptical it will make the jump to broad adoption. First, technology-wise it has yet to give me more than I already have. Second, most people don’t wear glasses, making Google Glass a burden to overcome (sunglasses aside, I’m not wearing it unless it’s really great). And third, the social acceptance of wearing Google Glass while interacting with others is likely slim (that’s a nice way to say wearing it will be rude).

I expect getting Google Glass past the early adopter stage to broad acceptance will be quite a feat, especially for a company with a short corporate attention span (anyone using Google+?).