Those of you who may know me realize I am huge proponent of the entire Google+ Ecosystem. From being a Glass Explorer to my love of Google+ Hangouts and Hangouts on Air, I am always trying to find new ways to take advantage of the numerous product offerings that Google has and work them into our dealership processes. 

Anyone who is familiar with Google's Auto Awesome for photos has likely seen the Auto Enhance, Snow, Motion, Panoramic features where Auto Awesome will enhance photos that you take while using Google Photo's Auto Upload.

Here is an example of the Snow enhancement;

I have recently been tinkering with Auto Awesome for Movies. Which debuted at Google I/O 2013 and right now is only available for some devices running Android 4.3 and up, including the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 10, HTC One, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Moto X, and Moto G.

I first used Auto Awesome for Movies to compile footage of snowboarding with my family. I quickly realized how easy it was to use and thought that it would be great to highlight vehicles. On Friday, just to test it out. I recorded about 4 minutes of footage of vehicles in the showroom of Colonial Volkswagen of Westborough using my Moto X. Before I had returned to my office, I selected the videos in Auto Awesome in the photos app and Auto Awesome went to work. Not 3 minutes later the video was completed. While it certainly is not my best work, I think that Auto Awesome assembled a clip that flowed nicely and required no post editing. 

To create an Auto Awesome Movie, you can follow these steps on your Android device. 

Here is it if you didn't have the time to watch the video;

Open Googe Photos, on the top of the app is a little Movie Clapboard icon, Click it.

It will open the selection screen, you can choose both videos and images. Select the content you want to be included in the Auto Awesome.  Once content is selected there is a SELECT on the top right of the App. Once you hit that, Auto Awesome for movies will go to work. 

It will download the movies, and images and start to compile them. 

Once compiled you can name the movie, manage the duration with a super simple " time wheel ", change the filter applied to the video. They have options such as Lo-Fi, Memory Lane, Modern Pop, Punk, Showtime, Silver screen to name a few. To change filter simply swipe left or right while viewing the movie. 

There is a music note on the edit screen which when clicked will bring you to a song selection screen with a few dozen licenced tracks to be used or you can unselect the song the app picked and have live audio. This can a little dicey as it does cut the footage up a the voice overlay will also be cut. That said, there is no reason you can't compile in Auto Awesome and add to voice over track in post with a better suited application. 

If you want to add an additional video or shot to the movie, you can swipe left all the way to the end of the video and select add new image and select one from your gallery. 

In post you can switch the order of the videos, extend or cut each individual videos length, insert stills. 

While Auto Awesome for Movies is not perfect it sure does compile and edit multiple videos quickly. Google seemingly has worked hard to make sure that Auto Awesome understands pacing and timing of video editing well enough to have the end results be relatively solid. 

If you have an Android running 4.3 or greater, I highly suggest you check Auto Awesome for movies out. 

​It has been over a month since I became a Glass Explorer. When I applied for the #ifihadglass contest, I never thought I would actually be accepted. If were to be, I'd have to pay $1500, travel to NYC, LA or SF.  I was reluctant but on the second to last day I went for it. Here is what my 50 words or less were. 

While I haven't been able to use it connect with clients for virtual test drives yet, since becoming a card carrying Glass Explorer,  I have found a handful a great uses for Google Glass for the Dealership as well as have others planned. 

Dealership Intro Videos

My first video that I did using Google Glass was this introduction to Colonial VW. We will be using in it emails to potential clients to let them know what to expect when visiting. While a video like this can be done via an iPhone, GoPro, or Flip cam, Glass really takes the viewer through the dealership in a true first person vantage. 

I will also use Google Glass for Intro to Service, Parts videos as well, and use them on our new websites titled, What to Expect when you visit Colonial Volkwagen. I will take them first person through arriving for service, parking or using our valet, entering service, meeting an advisor.

Similar to the dealership intro video, we will be able to use in outbound email efforts to let first time service clients know what to expect upon arriving. 
 

Directions

I know it may sound crazy in the day and age of Navigation in dash and on the smart phone. The fact is that some locations are tricky to get to even with the assistance of turn by turn navigation. While it is certainly not the norm, it happens to be the case with our Watertown location. It is literally less than 2 miles off the Mass pike but we have heard complaints from clients that it is, " tricky to get to " or " we're happy we saw the sign when we did or we would have driven past it. " and like some locations where it is quick and easy to turn around get back to, that is not the case with out Buick GMC location. 

I saw this as an opportunity to use Google Glass to cover that last mile or so and show the viewer how to navigation the tricky traffic circle and patterns that lead to our dealership. This was done on the fly and in one take and was also edited for time but it does reflect the best way to get to our location. It is a bit longer than I would have liked but the next time I am heading there, I can shoot another. 

We will use this video in our e newsletter, outbound email(s) for service, sales and parts. I will place it on our directions pages on our websites. The hope is that it makes getting to our location easier and less stressful for both new and existing clients visiting from the West. 

How To Videos

It goes without saying that every make and model has some DTU's, or Elements that may be Difficult to Understand for new drivers particularly if they are leaving one make for another. It could be the Cruise Control stalk, Pair Bluetooth, Navigation, Stow and Go Seating.... the list could go on and on. Google Glass takes would could be a two person job or recording a DTU How To Video and makes it a one person job. Beyond that, the Point of View vantage point can really show the viewer how to use the features being demonstrated. 

I have been so busy that I haven't yet shot a DTU How To Video but it certainly next on the list. 

I have more ideas and usage scenarios for Google Glass for the Dealership that I will cover in future posts once I have had the time to execute them. If you have any questions regarding Google Glass please feel free to reach out to me.