It seems developers have lost interest in creating apps for Google Inc.’s digitized spectacles, Glass. According to a recent Reuters report, nine of 16 surveyed Glass app developers have abandoned their efforts for varying reasons. From the device’s limited capabilities, development restrictions and still-small user base, is Google Glass worthwhile for app makers?

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5 signs of troubled times for Google Glass

Sergey Brin made an appearance without his Google Glass

Google co-founder Sergey Brin formally introduced Google Glass during his Google I/O keynote back in 2012. The stunt piqued curiosity and established the search giant’s stake in wearable technology. Since then, Brin has been seen wearing the beefed up spectacles regularly, presenting Google Glass as a lifestyle.

Yet at a recent red carpet event in Silicon Valley, Brin surprised the world when he showed up sans Google Glass. When asked about his missing gadget, he simply stated that he left it in the car. Could Brin be growing tired of wearing Google Glass?

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Google Glass losing team members

The Reuters report also mentioned that several key Google employees have left the company in the last six months. The list of employees comprises members that played a crucial role in the development of Google Glass, including lead developer Babak Parviz, electrical engineering chief Adrian Wong, and Ossama Alami, director of developer relations.

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Google Glass has yet to see a general consumer release

In 2013, Google launched Project Glass for early testers ahead of Google Glass’ official public release. At the time, it was expected that Glass would see a late 2013 or early 2014 public release. While Google offered a one-day sale for Google Glass in April, allowing even those who are not on the wait list to purchase wearable tech, the device has yet to be released to the general public.

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The venture fund backing Google Glass developers has abandoned ship

In 2013, Google Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and Andreessen Horowitz created a funding program called Glass Collective that would give developers the opportunity and funding they need to create apps for Google Glass. Sadly, the funding consortium has been disbanded and the site now redirects to Google Glass’ homepage.

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The price is high

Google Glass is priced at $1,500. To be honest, that’s pretty steep for technology with limited functionality, especially if you’re not a developer interested in creating app services for profit. There are other smartglasses available for much less money and more functions than Google Glass.

Though Google Glass has partnered with Luxottica Group S.p.A. to create designer branded spectacles, the cost could be higher than just what you pay – since its initial introduction, Google Glass has experienced some backlash from a society wary of devices that can record in public.

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A shifted opportunity?

While these five signs indicate a possible dead end for Google Glass’ mainstream efforts,  this could actually be an opportunity for Google to focus Glass on the workplace. At the moment, there are some institutions experimenting with Google Glass such as the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Some doctors in their Emergency Department have been using Google Glass to access patient information faster and more efficiently, allowing them to see more patients in less time.

Retail has also proven a potential market for Google Glass, where store clerks and warehouse workers could use the glasses to access product information and location in real-time.

photos by: Thomas Hawk and Radboud REshape & Innovation Center via photopin cc