Square - Team E

What is it: Square Reader, or just Square, as it’s known to consumers, is a credit card reader that plugs into a merchants Android and Apple iOS operating systems. The credit card reader works in conjunction with an app called Square Register. It provides business owners with the ability to accept credit card transactions in a multitude of locations; from in-store retailers to farmer’s markets to house calls. Square brings flexibility and mobility to the traditional business context. The merchant simply has to plug the 1 inch reader into their device’s standard 3.5mm headphone jack and begin swiping credits cards (see picture) [1]. There is no limit to the number or amount of payments taken, and customers receive an email confirmation when deposits are made, so there is no need for paper receipts. As of now Square is available in Canada and the United States. 

Another aspect of Square is the Square Wallet app (see pictures below). Square Inc. describes the application as “a wallet that holds credit and debit cards, half-punched loyalty cards, wrinkled cheques, and ancient receipts.” Customers download the app, register with any business on the Square directory, enter credit card details, and they’re good to go. When they walk into a store, such as Starbucks, they show their face, confirm their name, then simply order as usual, and the charge is applied to their “virtual tab.” This is all works due to the fact that Square Wallet  uses near field communication (NFC). “At its core, all NFC is doing is identifying us, and our bank account, to a computer. The technology is simple. It's a short-range, low power wireless link evolved from radio-frequency identification (RFID) tech[nology] that can transfer small amounts of data between two devices held a few centimeters from each other,” explains Jamie Carter on TechRadar [2]. On the business end, Square Wallet works with the Square Register software. Square Register is capable of receiving payments from smartphone users utilizing the Square Wallet app [3].

Security: Square technology is PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry-Data Security Standard) Level 1 compliant. Level 1 is designated to companies that process over 6 million transactions annually [4]. When swiping cards, the data is fully encrypted, using industry-standard methods when stored on disk or transmitted over public networks. Information processing is also secured by regular updates of the system, restrictive firewalls between networks, and not storing card information on the devices [5].

 Customer View of Square Wallet

 Merchant View of Square Wallet

Relevance: Square Reader has “simplified [her] business,” [6] stated Tara Bushmiaer from Quarter Salon in Atlanta, Georgia. This is especially true for small businesses like hers. People carry cash less and less, and are relying on credit cards to make purchases. Katie Steckman of Sanctuary Print Shop in Austin, Texas no longer has to invoice her customers because with Square she can “take payment on the spot” [7]. Square makes it simple and affordable for small businesses to provide credit transactions for their customers. Cash and cheques can be a nuisance since they have to be taken to the bank and those transactions recorded separately. “The beauty of Square is that with each transaction they’re automatically deposited into the bank the next day and then accounted for on my bank statement automatically,” states Drew Nash of 1 to 1 Pediatrics in Danville, California [8]. As well, Square is completely portable and therefore works well for mobile businesses (see Boccalone Gets Paid With Square [9] below).

Square Wallet is also very beneficial for both customers and businesses. It is an extremely fast, easy, and simple way to make transactions. “[Customers] don’t have to carry their credit card with them, and their in and out. We can see their name, we can remember who they are, and we get that real personal connection with them that way,” comments Tyler Lafferty of Method Juice Cafe in Spokane, Washington [10]. The Wallet helps businesses build relationships with their customers which is essential for their success, especially for small businesses. In the US, the ratio of smartphones to feature phones is nearly 1:1, with the majority of them using either iOS or Android [11]. By offering customers the ability to use Square Wallet, businesses will be able to connect with a very large customer base.

 [11]

One other great aspect of Square is that it’s “very easy to train [employees],” states Julie Bench of Cornbelly Corn Maze in Lehi, Utah, “we did it within an hour” [12]. Her husband, Logan Bench, further commented that “running a seasonal business is always a challenge [be]cause you have to train your employees every year” [12]. The use of smartphones and tablets has become second nature to the majority of North Americans, making training on Square’s system simple and cost effective.

Acquisition: Square was created by Jack Dorsey, one of the creators of Twitter [13]. He co-founded the company Square Inc. which provides the payment service launched in 2010 [citation needed]. When purchasing Square, your first Reader is free (including the app and shipping), as well as all additional Readers when bought over Square’s website. It is possible to purchase Square in certain retail stores for $10, however they come with a $10 redemption code so in fact are also free. Square Inc. enrolls merchants in their simple standardized per-swipe pricing plan which has no merchant account, monthly fees, or setup costs. Each transaction is 2.75% per swipe for Visa and Mastercard (in Canada; other cards accepted in the US), and 3.5% + $0.15 per manually-entered card [14]. Payments are automatically deposited into merchants bank accounts, and transactions made during business hours are usually available in their accounts the next business day. 

Top of Page
 
Bibliography:
1. "Square Reader," Square Inc. accessed March 1, 2013, https://squareup.com/ca/reader

2. Jamie Carter, What is NFC and why is it in your phone?”, TechRadar, January 16, 2013, accessed March 3, 2013, http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/what-is-nfc-and-why-is-it-in-your-phone-948410.

3. Brian X. Chen, “Square Bundles Cash Register Equipment Into One Package,” Bits (blog), February 20, 2013, accessed March 3, 2013, http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/square-bundles-cash-register-equipment-into-one-package/.

4. “Merchant PCI DDS Compliance & What Is PCI Compliance?” Visa Inc., accessed March 3, 2013, http://usa.visa.com/merchants/risk_management/cisp_merchants.html.

5. “Security Across Many Levels,” Square Inc., accessed March 3, 2013,

https://squareup.com/security/levels.

6. “The Quarter Salon Gets Paid With Square,” YouTube video, 1:01, posted by “square” on March 5, 2012, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_Gq-PXwRLM.

7. “Sanctuary Print Shop Uses Square,” YouTube video, 2:34, posted by “square” on April 4, 2012, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rshOLdC97d8.

8. “Dr. Nash Gets Paid With Square,” YouTube video, 1:03, posted by “square” on March 5, 2012, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv1wFlFatA4.

9. “Boccalone Gets Paid With Square,” YouTube video, 1:07, posted by “square” on February 14, 2012, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub10xQrZlH0.

10. “Method Juice Cafe uses Square Wallet,” YouTube video, 1:30, posted by “square” on October 24, 2012, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2blzzJoOdE.

11. Greg Sterling, “Pew And Nielsen Say Smartphones Now 50 Percent, When Will ComScore Join The Club?” Marketing Land, March 29, 2012, accessed March 1, 2013, http://marketingland.com/pew-and-nielsen-say-smartphones-now-50-percent-when-will-comscore-join-the-club-8979.

12. “Cornbelly's Gets Paid with Square,” YouTube video, 1:47, posted by “square” on October 31, 2012, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPN6pJuBv2o.

13. Jessica Guynn, “Square taps into the mobile payment business,” Los Angeles Times, February 1, 2013, March 1, 2013, http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-square-dorsey-20130201,0,5416478.story.

14. “Simple Pricing from Square,” Square Inc., accessed March 1, 2013, https://squareup.com/pricing.

Images

Unless otherwise noted, all images are from Square website, https://squareup.com/. 

Podcast Bibliography
1. “Square Wallet,” Starbucks Corporation, accessed March 2, 2013, http://www.starbucks.com/coffeehouse/mobile-apps/square-wallet.

2. Ellen McGirt, “For Making Magic out of the Mercantile,” Fast Company (blog), accessed March 3, 2013, http://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2012/square.

3. “Simply Revolutionary,” Square Inc. accessed March 2, 2013, https://squareup.com/ca/pricing.

4. Tim Schufelt, “Prediction: You’ll tap-to-pay with your phone in 2013,” Canadian Business, January 30, 2012, accessed March 1, 2013, http://www.canadianbusiness.com/technology-news/death-of-the-wallet/.

5. Mark Bonchek, “The Future of Commerce Starts With a Tap,” Harvard Business Review Blog Network, January 16, 2013, accessed March 1, 2013, http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2013/01/the_future_of_commerce_starts_with_a_tap.html.

6. Roger Chen, “Starbucks aims to take Square, digital payments mainstream,” CNET, August 8, 2012, accessed Febuary 28, 2013, http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57489171-94/starbucks-aims-to-take-square-digital-payments-mainstream/.

7. Marina Strauss, “Starbucks rolls out smart phone payments in Canada,” The Globe and Mail, September 6, 2012, accessed Febuary 28, 2013, http://m.theglobeandmail.com/technology/tech-news/starbucks-rolls-out-smart-phone-payments-in-canada/article1359893/?service=mobile.

8. Philip Parker, “Square Review,” Credit Payment Option, April 28, 2011, accessed March 2, 2013, http://www.cardpaymentoptions.com/credit-card-processors/square-review/.

9. Rajan Sodhi, “Researchers expect rapid growth in m commerce,” Peer 1 Hosting, November 13, 2012, accessed March 2, 2013 http://www.peer1.ca/industry-news/researchers-expect-rapid-growth-m-commerce.

Superteam A - Car2Go: Shifting Car-Sharing into High Gear

Introduction:
Car-sharing allows users to use vehicles on a pay-as-you–go basis, at a fraction of the cost of owning a car.  Several companies use car-sharing models and each have different methods of setting up their grid systems [1].  Thus, this blog we focus on Car2Go because it is the North American car-sharing market leader [2]. 

Car2Go& Its Benefits
Cars2Go is a car-sharing program piloted by Daimler in Texas.  The program has now  expanded to Calgary and fifteen other cities worldwide[3].  Daimler uses Smart FourTwos in specific operating areas to create a car-sharing community and a car “ownership” experience.  This adds value to customers who cannot afford their own vehicle.  It also acts as a substitute for car rentals and company cars.  Furthermore, car-sharing technology produces a social benefit by reducing the negative environmental impact of transportation in dense urban areas.   

Cost
Users pay a one-time $35 membership fee to use the vehicles [4].  Driving the vehicles costs 35 cents per minute.  This price includes fuel, parking, maintenance and insurance.  Thus, Cars2Go operates in dense urban centers, which are characterized by dense populations and high traffic areas, adding value to the company’s product offerings[5]. 

How it Works:
Vehicles can operate anywhere, but sessions must be started and terminated in the geofence (an area with a Wifi-grid compatible with the Car2Go App and aftermarket apps such as Getjar[6]).  To reduce the variable costs of bringing cars outside of the downtown core, Dalimer, using Wi-Fi node-on-node technology, created this geofence[7] to act as a barrier past which Wifi technology does not connect (See Figure 1). Although neither the Apps nor the website are calibrated to show vehicles past the geofence, an internal GPS in the car transmits information to Car2Go headquarters.  This ensures Daimler can recover vehicles that are left outside of the grid, or help those who are in need of roadside assistance [8].  The node-on -node technology allows information to be sent quickly throughout the geofence until it can be collected and organized at a central hub.  Furthermore, this Wifi method is efficient in that it prevents the network from collapsing if a node goes down.  “Terminal” nodes close off the operating areas and create a hub within which transactions and vehicular data can be sent and received by the database.  This ensures vehicles are located in close proximity to each other and are readily available to users.  In Calgary, this operating area has a geofence of 93 square kilometers[9].

Figure 1: Vancouver’s “Geofence”. 

[10]

The Car-Sharing Process:
Once you locate a car through the App, one must engage in a three-step process to start the car-sharing experience. Firstly, users put their membership card on the windshield to unlock the vehicle. Secondly, they must input their pin on the touch screen located on the dashboard (See figure 2).  Lastly, users must answer specific questions about the vehicle condition before they may drive [11].  After the three-step process, a payment gateway will open up through the WiFi system to allow for a payment process to begin, which will automatically debit the transaction from the user’s credit card after exiting the vehicle[12].  At the end of the user's trip, they sign out and rate the car.  In addition, the car number, transaction information, user information and ratings are transferred to a data mart.  Other information (ratings, user comments) are sent to the App, which starts this process over again. The information also lets the office know when a vehicle needs attention (ergo the small operating area to ensure efficiency)[11].

Figure 2: Car2Go Touch Screen Technology

[7]

Users of this technology can locate cars through third-party applications for Android and Iphone Apps.  Advanced telematics allow cars to be tracked (the car's location will be available to other users when the current drivers finish with it). These applications use MEO satellites and GPS technology to locate the placement of vehicles[13].  The vehicles locations are then kept in databases and their information inputted into the Apps, allowing members to locate and use the cars.  When the user finds a vehicle on the GPS, he or she may commence only after the three-step process[14].  Through WiFi, the client number is checked in the database to ensure that the client's pin matches the membership card[15].  

[16]

For the Program to Work:
Daimler must purchase a fleet of Smart FourTwos (usually 300 for major cities), which act as their inputs. Daimler also sets up parking garages, which include maintenance bays.  Daimler holds excess cars in their garages until they are needed at peak hours. When a poor rating is received, Daimler brings the FourTwo to the bays[11].  In addition, Daimler sets up charging stations (Figure 3) around the operating core to ensure users can charge the vehicles should they run out of electricity mid-session.  Furthermore, Car2Go creates a geofence[7]/ operating area in which they can connect their vehicles to allow for wireless transmission of data. The cars must be connected to a central database, and one must calibrate these cars to allow for mobile transmission of information that can be inputted into their App[11]. To do this, Daimler first sets up a wireless grid system using a node-on-node network in each city in which it operates. Each of the vehicles is connected wirelessly to a main hub that is attached to the company’s database. The company must code software in order to offer Apps for both Android and Apple phones[11]. Finally, Cars2Go must create a TPS that creates a payment gateway for members to connect their accounts to vehicle transactions, and to allocate transactions to members. The TPS should thus work in conjunction with the wireless grids and communicate with the client database.

Figure 3: Charging Station

[7]

Conclusion:
 

With its ubiquitous nature in North America, Car2Go is becoming a revolution.  Its strong execution of IT through its Geofence and Apps ensure that Car2Go will continue to accelerate into the market leader position in the car-sharing industry. 


For more information on car-sharing technology, check out our Podcast. http://misa03.podbean.com/2013/03/04/superteam-a-car2go/ 

References: Blog

[1] Kevin@Autoshare.com, . Car Sharing Canada, "Car Sharing." Last modified 2011.      Accessed March 3, 2013. http://www.carsharing.ca/.

[2] VLASIC, . NY Times, "Car-Sharing Services Grow, and Expand Options." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 4, 2013. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/business/car-sharing-services-grow-and-expand-options.html?_r=2&.

[3] Daimler, "Annual Report 2011."(2012):12-13, https://www.daimler.com/Projects/c2c/channel/

                  documents/2125319_Daimler_2011_Annual_Report.pdf.

[4] Daimler. Daimler, "Car2Go." Last modified 2013. Accessed February 26, 2013. http://www.daimler.com/technology-and-innovation/mobility-concepts/car2go.

[5] Daimler, "Annual Report 2012."(2013):150-151, http://www.daimler.com/Projects/c2c/channel/documents/2287152_Daimler_Annual_Report_2012.pdf.

[6] Jino, . Appsolutely Everything, "Getjar." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 4, 2013. http://www.getjar.com/cartajino.

[7] Blanco. Green Autoblog, "Daimler's Car2Go program is simple, amazing, but not perfect." Last modified 2011. Accessed February 26, 2013. http://green.autoblog.com/2011/03/24/daimler-car2go-program-carsharing-smart-fortwo/.

[8]  Friesen, (Phone Interview with Car2Go Call Center), interview by Mike Wilson, "Car2Go ," February 15, 2013.

[9] LeSage, . Green Autoblog, "Calgary fastest growing market for Car2go carsharing." Last modified 2012. Accessed February 26, 2013. http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/calgary-fastest-growing-market-for-car2go-carsharing/.

[10] Collins, Jack. "Smart Electric and Car2Go Potential." EV News Report (blog), January 31, 2013.                     http://evnewsreport.com/tag/car2go/ (accessed February 26, 2013).

 [11] Daimler. Car2Go, "How Does Car2Go work." Last modified 2013. Accessed February 26, 2013. https://www.car2go.com/en/austin/how-does-car2go-work/

[12] Kronbauer, . Vancouver is Awesome Media Site, "Car2Go Expands to North Vancouver." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 3, 2013. http://vancouverisawesome.com/2013/02/19/car2go-expands-to-north-vancouver/.

[13] Rees, Stephen. "Car Sharing." Stephen Rees's Blog (blog), January 11, 2013. Accessed February 26, 2013. http://stephenrees.wordpress.com/category/car-sharing/

[14] Gunther, . Mother Nature Network, "Daimler launches all-electric Car2Go carshare service ." Last modified 2011. Accessed February 26, 2013. http://www.mnn.com/green-tech/transportation/blogs/daimler-launches-all-electric-car2go-carshare-service.

[15] Car2Love, . Car2Go, "Knowledge Base." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 4, 2013. http://www.car2love.com/kb.

[16] Car2Go., "Car2Go Video Tutorial," February 26 2011, compact disc, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEmYbjFNekU.

References: Podcast

Burns, . Vancouver Magazine, "Vancouver's Best Car Sharing Company." Last modified 2012. Accessed March 2, 2013. http://www.vanmag.com/News_and_Features/Vancouvers_Best_Car_Sharing_Company.

Blanco. Green Autoblog, "Daimler's Car2Go program is simple, amazing, but not perfect." Last modified 2011. Accessed February 26, 2013. http://green.autoblog.com/2011/03/24/daimler-car2go-program-carsharing-smart-fortwo/.

Collins, Jack. "Smart Electric and Car2Go Potential." EV News Report (blog), January 31, 2013.                     http://evnewsreport.com/tag/car2go/ (accessed February 26, 2013).

Daimler, "Annual Report 2011."(2012):142-143, https://www.daimler.com/Projects/c2c/channel/documents/2125319_Daimler_2011_Annual_Report.pdf.

Daimler, "Annual Report 2012."(2013):150-151, http://www.daimler.com/Projects/c2c/channel/documents/2287152_Daimler_Annual_Report_2012.pdf

Daimler, . Daimler, "Car2Go Technology and Innovation." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 2, 2013. http://www.daimler.com/technology-and-innovation/mobility-concepts/car2go.

Modo, "Calculating Modo." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 2, 2013. http://www.modo.coop/calculator/owning.

Modo, "Modo: The Car Company." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 2, 2013. http://www.modo.coop/what/carsharing.

VLASIC, . NY Times, "Car-Sharing Services Grow, and Expand Options." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 4, 2013. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/business/car-sharing-services-grow-and-expand-options.html?_r=2&.

Youtube, "Your Check Engine Light is On." Last modified 2010. Accessed March 2, 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMhp2ShPVQw.

The following 2 items were used to calculate the margin on an individual car.

Toyota, . Toyota, "Welcome to Toyota." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 2, 2013. http://www.toyota.com/corolla/

Auto trader, . Autotrader, "Victoria." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 2, 2013. http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/Corolla/VICTORIA/British Columbia/5_15709391_BS200541292544/?ursrc=pl&showcpo=ShowCPO

Super Team D: Project Glass, by Google

Fact-Based Description:

            Google's Project Glass is an augmented reality, head-mounted display (HMD). (Ulanoff 2013) This means that graphics are taken from the display and integrated into your field-of-view, thus blurring the line of what is reality. (Bonsor 2011) Visually, the HMD resembles the frame of a pair of glasses, with a single half-inch lens and a small touch pad in the upper right corner. (Google 2013) The lens acts as a camera and display, presenting information like emails, texts, maps, and video calls. (Google 2013) The lens rests just above the eye, and does not disrupt your vision. The device is controlled by voice commands, eye gestures, and the touch-pad  giving the option for hands-free or hands-on access and sharing of information. (Google 2013)

            Project Glass will use a version of Google's Android operating system. (The Guardian 2012) Google also hopes to integrate digital projectors for keyboards and keypads, as well as use bone conduction technology (vibrations sent into the wearer's ear bone) for audio purposes. (Holly 2013) This allows the user to be the only one to hear the notifications. (Holly 2013) Google has said that Project Glass will eventually have a cellular radio, so it can connect online; at this point, it tethers wirelessly with your cell-phone for an online connection. (Citation?) The main purpose of Project Glass is to share and enable instant access to information.

Acquisition Information:

            As the name Google's Project Glass suggests, it is made by Google. Google Glass is in the prototype phase at the moment. (The Guardian 2012) Two "Glass Foundry" conferences were held at the beginning of 2013 in San Francisco and New York. (The Guardian 2013) The Glass Foundry signifies the release date for developers. (The Guardian 2013) Developers who attended the "Glass Foundry" conference were able to purchase a pair of these innovative glasses for a whopping $1,500. (The Guardian 2013) Sergy Brin,  a co-founder of Google, is hoping the glasses will be made available to the public by the end of 2013. (Chaey 2013) The glasses will also be available for consumers at a cheaper price; however, while they will cost less than $1,500, they will be more expensive than a Smartphone. (The Guardian 2013) Google also had a promotional pre-release of their glasses which included an application process for those interested. (Clark 2013) These applications are now closed. (Google 2013)

            Businesses who adopt Google Glass will not need to have anything else but a smart phone or a computer in order for them to work. Google Glass stores information using Cloud technology and syncs using the Android operating system. (Funaro 2013) Any business using Cloud storage technology with Android will be able to seamlessly adopt this new, innovative technology. Company's who do not use Google systems will have to adopt them. (Funaro 2013) Unlike large computer databases for companies, information created using Google Glass is stored in the Cloud. (Funaro 2013) This implication for businesses is huge as they will no longer have to have large storage facilities to hold their databases.

Application:

            Google Glass will revolutionize the way clinicians use technology to treat patients and deliver high quality care. Google Glass paired with existing technologies can significantly improve the way medical professionals interact with their patients and their surroundings. The areas of medical care that have the most potential to be impacted by Google’s new technology are health information delivery, order taking, and data storage. (Chouffani 2012)

            Displaying patients’ vitals by the surgeon’s Google Glasses would be possible during surgeries. This convenience would also be possible as physicians are performing their rounds: information specific to a particular patient such as the patient’s name, laboratory test statistics, and other test results would appear on the glasses of the physician as they entered different rooms. This allows for more timely and informed decisions, increasing the quality of care and reducing costs. (Chouffani 2012)

            With the availability of intelligent voice recognition through Google’s Project Glass, a physician can place orders and record patient encounters without physical contact with a keyboard or the use of transcription services. This would assist working with electronic health records, and allow a structured format for information storage in medical databases. (Chouffani 2012)

            The collection of patient data can be stored in powerful Cloud computing systems like Project Glass and wearing Google Glasses will provide physicians with vast amounts of patient and medical information. (Chouffani 2012) Physicians can use the Google Glass platform to recall previous patient interactions, allowing them to immediately view relevant patient information and aide them in decision making based on ample, comprehensive data that is stored in the Cloud. (Chouffani 2012)

Challenges:

            Like many new technologically advanced products, there are still a few bugs and glitches in the glasses that will need to be worked out. (The Guardian 2013) Additionally, due to their sleek design and small size, battery life is an issue. (The Guardian 2013) Google is currently working on extending the battery life to allow people to wear the glasses all day. (The Guardian 2013) Market adoption may also be challenging for Google since it uses the Android operating system and Google applications, making it difficult for users of the Apple operating system to integrate their technologies. This could be a potential deterrent when deciding whether or not to adopt the technology. (The Guardian 2013)

Competition:

            Project Glass now has two competitors: Smart Glasses and Golden-i. The main competitor, Smart Glasses, made by Vuzix, and they are for the same target market and have similar functions. They run with the Android operating system, but also support iOS devices. (Hearn 2012) Additionally, their price is much more appealing than Google's. (Hearn 2012) Kopin and Ikanos Consulting's Golden-i targets some similar markets as Project Glass. (MacManus 2013) Golden-i is mainly used for police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other professional users. (MacManus 2013) Additional competitors are also on the horizon: Apple and Microsoft have previously applied for the patent of wearable technology, but they were just granted this patent recently. (Gilbert 2012) It is said that they are planning to develop a similar device. (Gilbert 2012)

            Overall, Google's Project Glass seems to be a promising, cutting-edge innovation with a big future. It will be interesting to how see the adoption of this technology will revolutionize the medical field and, by extension, mainstream society.

Blog Bibliography

"Google Glass - If I Had Glass." Google. http://www.google.com/glass/start/how-to-get-one/ (accessed March 3, 2013).

"Google Glass - What It Does." Google. http://www.google.com/glass/start/what-it-does/ (accessed March 3, 2013).

"Google's Project Glass made available to developers | Technology | guardian.co.uk."  Latest US news, world news, sport and comment from the Guardian | guardiannews.com | The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/jun/28/google-project-glass-available-to-developers (accessed February 1, 2013).

Bonsor, Kevin. "HowStuffWorks "How Augmented Reality Will Work"." HowStuffWorks "Learn how Everything Works!". http://www.howstuffworks.com/augmented-reality.htm (accessed February 1, 2013).

Chaey, Christina. "Google Glass Will Be On Sale By End Of 2013, Cost Less Than $1,500 | Fast Company." Fast Company. http://www.fastcompany.com/3006189/fast-feed/google-glass-will-be-sale-end-2013-cost-less-1500 (accessed March 3, 2013).

Chouffani, Reda. "Google Glass meets RTLS, NLP, and big data the hospital of the future - Meaningful Health Care Informatics Blog." Health IT and Electronic Health information, news and tips - SearchHealthIT.com. http://searchhealthit.techtarget.com/healthitexchange/meaningfulhealthcareinformaticsblog/google-glass-meets-rtls-nlp-and-big-data-the-hospital-of-the-future/ (accessed March 3, 2013).

Clark, Matt. "Everything You Need to Know About Google Glass - IGN." Video Games, Wikis, Cheats, Walkthroughs, Reviews, News & Videos - IGN. http://ca.ign.com/articles/2013/02/27/everything-you-need-to-know-about-google-glass (accessed February 27, 2013).

Funaro, Vincent. "Google Glass Release Date on Track for Early 2013." Christian News, The Christian Post. http://www.christianpost.com/news/google-glass-release-date-on-track-for-early-2013-87560/ (accessed February 1, 2013).

Gilbert, Jason. "Google Glass By Apple? Patent Shows An Apple-Made Glasses Rival Could Be In The Works." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/05/google-glass-apple-patent_n_1651176.html (accessed February 1, 2013).

Hearn, Mark. "Vuzix Smart Glasses M100 to battle Google Glass for Android eyewear supremacy." Engadget. http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/vuzix-smart-glasses-m100-announce/ (accessed February 1, 2013).

Holly, Russell. "How sound works on Google's Project Glass | Gadgets | Geek.com." Geek.com. http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/how-sound-works-on-googles-project-glass-2012127/ (accessed March 4, 2013).

MacManus, Christopher. "Golden-i headset could change the way people save lives | CES 2013: Gadgets - CNET Blogs." CES 2013. http://ces.cnet.com/8301-34441_1-57563301/golden-i-headset-could-change-the-way-people-save-lives/ (accessed February 1, 2013).

Price, Emily. "Google Glass to Hit Developers' Hands This Month." Mashable. http://mashable.com/2013/01/15/google-glass-developers/ (accessed February 1, 2013).

Ulanoff, Lance. "Google Glass (And Sergey Brin) Ride the NYC Subway." Mashable. http://mashable.com/2013/01/21/google-glasses-on-nyc-subway/ (accessed February 1, 2013).

Podcast Bibliography

Baldwin, Roberto. "Google Glasses Face Serious Hurdles, Augmented-Reality Experts Say | Gadget Lab | Wired.com." wired.com . http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/04/augmented-reality-experts-say-google-glasses-face-serious-hurdles/ (accessed February 5, 2013).

Brianbuntz Published: April, and  2012. "Potential Medical Applications of Google's Augmented Reality Project | Medical Electronics Design." Medical Electronics Design. http://www.medicalelectronicsdesign.com/blog/medblog/what-will-medical-and-health-applications-be-google-goggles (accessed February 15, 2013).

Chouffani, Reda . "Google Glass meets RTLS, NLP, and big data the hospital of the future - Meaningful Health Care Informatics Blog." Health IT and Electronic Health information, news and tips - SearchHealthIT.com. http://searchhealthit.techtarget.com/healthitexchange/meaningfulhealthcareinformaticsblog/google-glass-meets-rtls-nlp-and-big-data-the-hospital-of-the-future/ (accessed February 17, 2013).

Malinowski, Erik. "Video: Goggle Display Delivers Real-Time Data to Snow Runs | Gadget Lab | Wired.com." wired.com . http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/01/video-mod-live-micro-optics-display/ (accessed February 5, 2013).

"Robert H. Smith School of Business - University of Maryland, College Park." Robert H. Smith School of Business - University of Maryland, College Park. http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/news/releases/2009/030909.aspx (accessed February 14, 2013).

Wasserman, Todd. "Google Glass Coming to Consumers in 2014." Mashable. http://mashable.com/2012/06/28/brin-google-glass-2014/ (accessed February 26, 2013).

Wasserman, Todd. "How Google Glass Could Change Advertising." Mashable. http://mashable.com/2013/01/23/google-glass-advertising/ (accessed February 26, 2013).

Images

"Google Glass ." Google. http://www.google.com/glass/start/ (accessed March 3, 2013).