It would seem that the potential for Google Glass isn’t just limited to our daily mundane lives. TrackingPoint, an Austin precision weaponry manufacturer has recently released a video demonstrating the capability of utilising Google Glass as an augmented target viewer. The idea is to allow for precision scoping without having to risk direct line of fire and enables you to fire accurately from behind cover or around corners. This is both pretty useful and scary at the same time as it would mean bringing down casualty rates as soldiers or law enforcement need not risk themselves unnecessarily, however in the wrong hands, this technology would inflict a great deal of harm as it would be much more difficult to catch the culprit.
Another interesting feature that TrackingPoint unveiled, was the ability to stream target data/tracking with others via bluetooth, WIFI and data connection. This could mean quicker and more efficient response time to a given situation/target. It is also pretty remarkable as this function is one that many would consider in the realm of Sci Fiction or something found in-game. As the data is accessible through smartphones, tablets and Google Glass, this could also translate to better remote operation to enable better understanding of the situation on the ground. The flipside here is that if wearables are truly used in battlefields, this would raise the necessity of electronic warfare so as to minimize casualties and skewer data being sent back to create confusion.
The implementation of wearables into military or law enforcement is both intriguing and disturbing. Intriguing as it can be used as a training tool and an aid in allowing better marksmanship without having to expand as much resources and time. Disturbing as the wearable military technology could be used for nefarious purposes without the necessary checks and balance. It does however hint at the prospect of using wearables not just for daily activities but other purposes as well. It also raises the question that perhaps our utilisation of technology comes more so from our imagination rather that the limitations we have.