Wearable technologies – from smartwatches to Google Glass – may change the face of digital and mobile marketing forever. But they may also be the bane of a casino’s existence as the gaming industry struggles with how to regulate or even permit the presence and usage of these technologies on their property.
According to some tech industry analysts, we may soon see Google Glass just about everywhere… everywhere, that is, but inside of any casino that knows what’s best for business.
The augmented reality wearable computer with a head-mounted display is expected to be become a ubiquitous consumer technology before long. But since Google Glass may also be capable of counting cards, don’t expect to roam freely everywhere around Las Vegas wearing it, even though casino marketers will still try to leverage the opportunity to reach gamers and tourists right in their face.
Privacy is another concern, as illustrated in Seattle last year at the 5 Point Cafe. The establishment, according to a report from Geekwire, is one of the first in the nation to declare a ban on Google Glass. The reason? The eatery’s owner wishes to prevent the risk of her patrons being recorded by the futuristic glasses.
If we’re already hearing about Google Glass bans months before the product arrives, is it fair to assume that a large number of local and national businesses – if not entire industries – will prevent Google Glass from being used on their property? What about places of employment?
No one, naturally, is suggesting that technology’s evolution and advancement should be put on hold due to the uncertainty that looms over such a revolutionary product release. But there will be myriad concerns and questions. And there’s a good chance that privacy and security concerns could initially inhibit the adoption of Google Glass.
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