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Google Glass Will Disrupt Car Shopping

By Eric Miltsch on Feb 20, 2013

We're on the verge of experiencing something truly remarkable when Google finally releases it's Project Glass product. (Within 18-24 months) Wearable computers are surely to become the next big thing as this is the first viable product that can bring together what Google has been building over the last several years. With their Android operating system at the core, Project Glass integrates Google hangouts, chat and Google Maps - among other things!

Now, imagine how this concept of wearable computers will change the way consumers shop for vehicles with greater ease than with mobile devices, share their driving experiences (sharing test drives with others) and especially comparing vehicle prices and features. 

Check out this incredible video showing exactly what Google Glass is capable of. I want my pair now! 

Comments


I'm right there with you Eric, sign me up early. Can't wait for always-on HUD. Would like to pair with a video recording app that captures rolling-last-10-minutes-of-video, so if I witness something cool, I quickly save that clip. Never miss a great kids moment, or crazy happening.

Shopping on the lot just got much more interesting, "Show me a Carfax Glass", "Research Reviews Glass", etc.

February 20th


Customers still have to travel to a dealership BEFORE they can use their device. And they only travel to a very few dealers AFTER completing their research.

This isn't a game changer at all. It's like a QR code on steroids... maybe... at best.

February 20th


I mean... what kind of GLASSHOLE would wear these to a car dealership?

February 20th


Me, Eric:)

February 20th


Stop at Dick's Sporting goods, see a cool car, find out what it is, how much they cost, and a dealer locally (with directions) that has it. May notice a promoted flag for local dealer with time-based offer.

When the bluetooth phone earpieces first came out, many thought they looked goofy too, now commonplace.

February 20th


It's interesting to think about how this sort of technology influences how we interact with one another. With bluetooth earbuds, the guy behind you in line for coffee sometimes seems to be talking to you - or having a conversation with himself. With smartphone addicts, pulling out your phone in mid conversation with someone else or not paying attention to your surroundings is commonplace. With Google Glasses, the change will be even bigger - people will have the opportunity to always be connected and there may not be a visual cue to anyone nearby that they are paying attention to their glasses or their surroundings - or whether they're recording the conversation they're having with you. There are a lot of great things to be said about this technology, but it also has the potential to make many interactions less personal and frankly, creepier.

February 20th


I presented the original Google Glass concept video ~1 year ago to our GM's and posed that same question - what would a car shopper's experience be like if they visited our dealership wearing a pair of these glasses. They walk in, check out a car, Google several sites for more info on a specific model, and while talking to your sales rep, they are researching price quotes from other dealers. They send a picture of the car to their spouse to see what they think. While they are waiting for the numbers to be presented, they are reading reviews about your dealership. After they buy the car, they post pictures online of their new car, and leave a video testimonial while leaving. Sound far-fetched? I don't think so...

February 20th


I'm sure body shops around the country can't wait for these to come out. #justsayin

February 20th


Very cool! I'm not sure though too many sales people would want to be video taped while "feature benefiting" a vehicle or while in the negotiations process. I see this as more of a negative to the auto biz than a positive. perhaps beneficial to buyers while shopping after hours or on days the dealer may be closed.

February 20th


“Google scan this bar code and see if I’m paying the right price”
“Google show me what the best price would be on this vehicle”
"Google, is there another dealership close by?"

February 20th

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