Technology Animal
Google Glass makes a surprise Houston debut and it's a zoo
If you've been dying to see an alligator eat a rat or a red-billed blue magpie chick poop, all up-close-and-personal, you're in luck. Thanks to Google Glass, you can now virtually experience life as a Houston Zoo zookeeper.
The Houston Zoo was one of 8,000 contest winners to receive one of the much-hyped wearable computers. The lensless, temple-mounted devices are valued at around $1500, and so far only a select few have tried them out.
In an Apple-like move, Google hasn't announced when the glasses will go on sale to the public. In February, interested individuals and organizations were instructed to enter the Google Explorers competition by submitting 50 words or fewer via Google+ or Twitter explaining the creative way they would use Google Glass and using the hashtag "#ifihadglass."
Here's the Houston Zoo's entry and Google Glass's response:
#ifihadglass We could share sea turtle releases in the Gulf and answer questions live through the whole process! https://t.co/o3XVEKtofi
— Houston Zoo (@houstonzoo) February 22, 2013@houstonzoo You’re invited to join our #glassexplorers program. Woohoo! Make sure to follow us - we’ll DM in the coming weeks.
— Project Glass (@projectglass) March 27, 2013In June the zoo's interactive marketing coordinator Ryan Draper flew to Google Headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. to claim the prize. The zoo has been taking taken full advantage of the new technology and, according to its blog, has big plans for the future: "Ride along with one of our carnivore keepers into the clouded leopard exhibit. See what it's like to lead the sea lion show.
"Catch a cheetah at the end of the cheetah run. We're going to do all of this and more!"
Check out the videos above and below to see what the Zoo has already done:
