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April 9, 2014updated 22 Sep 2016 11:16am

5 Google Glass apps that could change the world

Google Glass apps for Parkinson’s sufferers, doctors and consumers.

By Amy-Jo Crowley

From bars and restaurants to casinos and cinemas, there are plenty places Glass may not belong. But there have been some recent examples of how Google Glass is being used to save lives and improve consumer experience.

CBR rounds up five useful real-life apps of Google Glass, starting with the most recently announced ones.

1. Parkinson’s disease

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People suffering from Parkinson’s disease could soon see the benefits of Google Glass.

Researchers at Newcastle University are trialling the technology with a group of Parkinson’s volunteers in efforts to improve their quality of life.

They hope they could help with everyday activities such as reminding them to swallow, speak up and take their medication.

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"The beauty of this research project is we are designing the apps and systems for Glass in collaboration with the users so the resulting applications should exactly meet their needs," explained lead researcher Dr John Vines.

"What was really encouraging from this early study was how well our volunteers took to the wearable technology and the fact that they could see the potential in it."

The results will be presented at a conference in Canada later this month.

2. Medicine

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An emergency room doctor at Bet Israel Deaconess Medical Centre was treating a patient who had recently been brought in for massive internal bleeding in the brain.

Because the doctor was wearing Glass, he was able to quickly access the patient’s medical records and therefore spot that the patient had severe allergic reactions to blood pressure medications.

Dr. Steve Horng said he believes that Google Glass helped save the patient from the chance of permanent disability or death.

"Google Glass enabled me to view this patient’s allergy information and current medication regimen without having to excuse myself to log in to a computer, or even lose eye contact."

4. Glass for work

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Google has launched a new Glass at Work programme in efforts to help businesses, factories and other workplaces learn more how Glass might be integrated in useful ways for their employees and business processes.

Two businesses that are already experimenting with Glass are the Washington Capitals NHL hockey club and Schlumberger, an oil field services company, according to Google.

Google said it wants to drive even more interest in the business word.

"We wanted to create a program that made it easier for them to get started on implementing Glass in their businesses," a Google spokesperson said.

4. Live streaming

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Livestream.com released its first app for Google Glass it claims will allow users to broadcast events in venues or stadiums to their family and friends in real-time.

The app, which is now available on iOS, Android and Glass, also displays viewers’ comments to the wearer and allows Glass wearers to stream video directly to their Livestream channel.

To begin live streaming, users pair Glass with an event and say, "OK Glass, Livestream," and tap the device to go live.

The video streaming firm, which was behind the live streaming of Twitter’s IPO, said the possibilities of Livestream are endless for Glass.

In a statement, CEO Max Haot said: "From a reporter covering a protest, to an athlete competing in a sports arena, we believe that Glass will be instrumental in democratizing the future of live video streaming."

5. Fashion

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Glashion, a fashion startup, has released a Google Glass app, which it hopes will allow glass wearers to buy clothes or accessories that they spot on the go.

Introduced in September 2013, users download the app to their Glass and then take a photo of any fashion items that they come across in a shop.

The app then shows similar product results via ShopStyle API, and you either tap to buy the product or swipe to see more matching products.

The firm, founded by AngelHack NYC, Billy Mauro and Felipe Servin, said the app could bridge online and offline shopping behaviours, and avoid the awkwardness of taking a photo with a phone.

 

 

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