Study: Only one in 10 smartphone owners willing to wear Google Glass regularly

There’s no denying that Google Glass is one of the most eagerly anticipated devices to come to market in a long time. 

Google Glass is expected to go on sale in 2014.

What remains unclear, though, is how the public will take to the headset once it’s actually available. To gain a better understanding on this uncertainty, BiTE Interactive and YouGove conducted a study on the matter.

The result of their efforts is a report entitled “Google Glass Adoption Forecast.” They polled a nationally representative sample of 1,000 American adults — 455 of which were smartphone owners — on Google’s new headwear. The figures were weighted and are representative of all U.S. adults aged 18 and over.

Unfortunately for Google, the results were less than stellar:
• One in 10 smartphone owners said they were willing to wear the device all the time, even if priced within their personal budget
• One in two fear Google Glass will be too socially awkward or too irritating to wear
• 38% of the group total (smartphone owner or not) said that they would not wear Google Glass even if priced within their budget
• 44% do not feel that any of Google Glass’ key features are appealing

“Google is leading the wearable technology bubble as it looks to define what the next consumer screen will be,” said Joseph Farrell, EVP Operations, BiTE interactive. “Google’s past successes have occurred when they provide an innovative product that solves a real consumer need. However, with Glass it looks like Google risks exposing a serious disconnect between its pioneering technology and the key problem it solves. The Google Glass Adoption Forecast uncovers many more concerns for Google’s Glass strategy with the majority of smartphone owners unconvinced that its key features would make it worth buying.”

On the flip side, the study did find there to be some genuine interest around what Google Glass has to offer:
• 44% said that they liked the idea of being able to instantly photograph whatever they’re seeing
• 39% are interested in being able to make phone calls without having to touch their phone
• 37% like being able to capture video of whatever they’re seeing
• 31% would enjoy wearing the device to receive interactive directions of where they would like to go

Farrell adds, “The average American perceives Google Glass as (a) toy made solely for the tech-savvy elites. This aura of exclusivity further limits the user base for Google Glass, as smartphone users are likely to remain satisfied using their existing iPhone or Android apps to accomplish daily activities like taking pictures or searching for directions. The lack of hard consumer demand behind the hype means developers and brands should not jump to create apps as standard for Google Glass; their focus should remain on perfecting apps for existing platforms where there is already abundant consumer demand and plenty of room for improvement.”

So what do you think? Will Google Glass sink or swim? Let us know in the comments section below!

Story via: prweb.com