GADGET DESIGNER Apple's CEO Tim Cook has claimed Google Glass has no mass appeal, while hinting that Apple might be looking to get into wearable technology.
Cook spoke at Allthingsd's D11 Conference in California on Wednesday, where he was quizzed about, amongst other things, the future of wearable technology.
Cook was asked about Google Glass, he said that Glass is unlikely to appeal to the mass market.
"There are some positives in the product. It's probably likely to appeal to certain markets. The likelihood that it has broad appeal is hard to see," Cook said.
"I'm interested in a great product. I wear glasses because I have to. I don't know a lot of people who wear them because they don't have to."
That's not to say Cook doesn't see opportunities in the wearable technology market, however, and he threw out plenty of hints that we'll be seeing that long rumoured Apple iWatch sooner rather than later.
He described wearable technology as an area that's "ripe for exploration" and said that, for Apple, it "is a very important branch of the tree".
While that gives no hints as to what we can expect Apple to deliver, Cook was quick to praise Nike, saying that the firm had done a great job with the Fuelband, adding that he wears one. Given his opinion of Google Glass, this seems to suggest that Apple is planning on a less obtrusive device similar to the Fuelband - like a watch, perhaps.
Cook went on to say, "If we asked a room of 20-year olds to stand up if they're wearing a watch, I don't think anyone would stand up," again hinting that Apple is looking to enter the smart watch space.
Apple's rumoured iWatch is expected to launch later this year, acting as a companion to Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod products, enabling users to read messages, check emails and the like from their wrists.
Apple has yet to say anything specific about the device, although might have given us our first glimpse of it in its latest TV commercial. µ
Cook spoke at Allthingsd's D11 Conference in California on Wednesday, where he was quizzed about, amongst other things, the future of wearable technology.
Cook was asked about Google Glass, he said that Glass is unlikely to appeal to the mass market.
"There are some positives in the product. It's probably likely to appeal to certain markets. The likelihood that it has broad appeal is hard to see," Cook said.
"I'm interested in a great product. I wear glasses because I have to. I don't know a lot of people who wear them because they don't have to."
That's not to say Cook doesn't see opportunities in the wearable technology market, however, and he threw out plenty of hints that we'll be seeing that long rumoured Apple iWatch sooner rather than later.
He described wearable technology as an area that's "ripe for exploration" and said that, for Apple, it "is a very important branch of the tree".
While that gives no hints as to what we can expect Apple to deliver, Cook was quick to praise Nike, saying that the firm had done a great job with the Fuelband, adding that he wears one. Given his opinion of Google Glass, this seems to suggest that Apple is planning on a less obtrusive device similar to the Fuelband - like a watch, perhaps.
Cook went on to say, "If we asked a room of 20-year olds to stand up if they're wearing a watch, I don't think anyone would stand up," again hinting that Apple is looking to enter the smart watch space.
Apple's rumoured iWatch is expected to launch later this year, acting as a companion to Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod products, enabling users to read messages, check emails and the like from their wrists.
Apple has yet to say anything specific about the device, although might have given us our first glimpse of it in its latest TV commercial. µ