In 2013 Google conducted a limited, new product introduction by inviting the public to Tweet how they would use Google Glass – the wearable eyeglass computer. The top 8,000 submissions, to become known as Google Glass “Explorers”, were given the opportunity to be the first consumers to purchase Glass. One of the talented “Explorers” is Hilary Topper, the President & CEO of HJMT Public Relations. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Hilary about her ongoing experience with Google Glass.
MW: This was a unique promotion in that you “won” the opportunity to purchase Google Glass. Are you typically the first person on your block to adopt new technology?
HT: Yes, In 1984, I was the first person on the block to have a Mac computer. When Facebook opened up to the general public in 2006, I created a Facebook page and started blogging in 2008 (now have nearly 50,000 people reading my blog monthly). I wrote a book in 2009 on social media for baby boomers and started an internet radio show thereafter. After getting Google Glass, I started to become more aware of wearable technology and created a show on Google On Air called, “Wearable on Air”.
MW: How did you learn about the Google Glass Explorers contest?
HT: I read about the contest in Wired Magazine. I jumped at the opportunity. My first tweet was “#IfIHadGlass I would run the Diva Half Marathon in Myrtle Beach, SC”. I started tweeting out, “I want my Google Glass more than my MTV!” That’s when Google notified me that I was a winner. I think they also were impressed with my large community on Facebook (5,000 followers), Twitter (10,400 followers), G+ (1,000 followers), Pinterest (more than 500 followers), LinkedIn (more than 2500 followers), etc.
MW: I understand Google had the Explorers come to special events to receive their Glass. What was that like?
HT: I felt as if I were on the Starship Enterprise. I kept looking for Geordie La Forge but couldn’t find him. Instead I found a ton of Explorers who were just as passionate as I about Google Glass and wearable’s in general.
MW: Since receiving your Glass what have you done with it?
HT: I’ve been using them for adventures and special moments. In addition to that, I developed a YouTube series called Glasslandia. It’s a series of six episodes about my life. To date, we have more than 15,000 views and 50 million impressions on social media. Everyone keeps asking me when season 2 is coming out!
MW: How do you see “Glasslandia” evolving?
HT: If we can get a sponsor for Season 2, we’ll do it again! This time, I would like to show more character development.
MW: Video recorded using Google Glass creates a unique first person perspective. In your business, public relations, what is the value of this capability to your clients?
HT: It gives me the opportunity for hands free photography and videography. The quality is amazing and when I cover events, I can post directly on social sites.
MW: When you wear your Google Glass in public what reactions do you get?
HT: People who know what it is want to try it on, and I let them! Or, they say “wow, that’s Google Glass, cool!!!!” People who don’t know what it is, think I have something foreign growing out of my head…
MW: Finally, given your experience with Glass what are your thoughts about wearable tech?
HT: Wearable tech is the future. Within the next couple of years, everything will be portable. Google Glass is amazing and what I like most is the eco-system it has created with all the Google products.
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