Google zooms in on smart lenses As Googles announcement admits, there is a long way to go before this smart contact lens prototype can go onto the market. Given the obvious dangers of giving false readings for blood sugar levels, there will need to be further development and then extensive tests to ensure that it works as well as (or better than) existing approaches before Google will be able to get FDA approval for the lenses. The attractions of wearable devices are clear, however, especially where they avoid the need for more invasive tests. Take-up of exercise wristbands, which are less critical to health and therefore easier to develop, has already been strong. The other interesting aspect of this story lies with Googles increasing interest in healthcare. In September 2013, it set up Calico, a biotech company dedicated to lengthening life expectancy. Although this contact lens venture is not directly related to that, it does fit with Googles plan to seek out unusual opportunities. Otis and Parvez, the people behind this venture, starting their work at the University of Washington, with help from Microsoft. But Google - with its tech and biotech connections and its willingness to plough money into R&D that may not seem immediately profitable - may well be able to take it further.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Jan 2014 10:52:02 +0000
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