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Got Glass?

I recently received an invite to the Google Glass Explorers program. What this means is that I am one of approximately 10,000 people who were chosen by Google to try out Glass and see what comes of it.

If you're not already familiar with Google Glass, the new wearable technology device helps you take photos, videos, and run Google searches all from voice commands. 

I got my Glass on June 5 and think it could have some fun applications for urban hiking. Many people don't know what I mean when I say that I run urban hiking tours, so I'll be able to show them what it's like to climb on a hiking trail to Twin Peaks (see below), walk through a eucalyptus forest in the city (video), or slide down the Seward Street Slides (video)!


 Weekend hikers heading up to Twin Peaks. Photo taken #throughglass.

If I had a constant Internet connection, which I could get from a wireless hotspot on my phone, I could share the photos and videos I take with my hikers - instantly. While I do go over a number of historical facts about the sites we see on tours, I could also look up additional information and photos to answer people's questions. 

If Glass one day has an app store like our smartphones do, I would love to create one that would be a self-guided video and audio guide for my tours. Hikers would receive directions from Glass on where to turn to get to the next stop, and once they were there, they would get all the historical information that I normally give to them.

We'll see where this goes, and in the meantime, comment to let me know if you have ideas on how I can make the most of my Google Glass!

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