Top Shot competitor Chris Cheng used to work for Google. So who better to speculate about an interface between the precision-guided rifle maker TrackingPoint and the “do no evil” web conglomerate? [Ammoland press release after the jump.] Like the The Firearm Blog post upon which Cheng’s speculation is based, there’s no hint of an official hook-up with Google—a company that bans firearms-related websites (including TTAG) from its AdWords program. That said, there’s nothing to stop TrackingPoint from buying some Google glasses (when available), integrating the technology into their hi-tech aiming system and bilking Uncle Sam of billions securing a military contract. I reckon the Texas rifle maker should start their technological integration efforts with a Braun shaver. Just sayin’ . . .
USA –-(Ammoland.com)- As reported by The Firearm Blog, precision-guided rifle maker Tracking Point has posted an interesting picture of Google Glass, implying that it will somehow be integrated into a Tracking Point system.
If you’re not familiar with Tracking Point, check out this article, as well as the video below.
The Tumblr caption notes “TrackingPoint Labs: Google Glass HUD.” A “HUD” is a “Heads Up Display” that contains useful information such as a reticle, temperature, wind speed, and other data.
TrackingPoint has been a controversial company, with some critics noting how it would take the challenge out of hunting, and thereby raising some ethical issues. Other critics fear that the rifle could take an untrained person, and empower them to kill people at long ranges.
Supporters see a technology that will help protect soldiers whose lives could be saved by placing more accurate shots out in the battlefield.
Having worked at Google, I find it interesting that guns are mostly still “dumb” inert pieces of metal that really haven’t been affected by technology. However, we have been seeing more smartphone apps over the past few years, and TrackingPoint is definitely leading the field in provocative, paradigm-shifting products.
Disruptive technology such as Uber, Square, and the iPhone have had both its supporters and critics, and just like all tech products we’ll see if TrackingPoint survives or not.