A new report suggests that Google’s wearable computing device could become “the next iPhone.” Sarah Rotman Epps, a senior analyst with Forrester Research, believes that Google Glass shows enough promise that “it’s just a matter of time” until the device takes over the world. But she noted that the current version of Glass is “more of a Newton than an iPhone,” citing concerns with battery life and limited app development. While Glass’s current functionality may be limited, the analyst believes that in time it will become the next great platform.
Epps revealed that 21.6 million online consumers in the U.S., roughly 12% of the population, are interested in wearing Google Glass-like products from a trusted company. Consumers who are most interested in wearable technology tend to be younger and more technologically savvy individuals. The analyst noted that other early adopters may include professionals who need hands-free devices for work, such as doctors, construction workers and farmers.
Google Glass is currently being beta tested by a small group of people and is expected to be released to the general public in 2014.
