Midway through 2025 and glide only Alpha 2.0?

By Ash Rein, 3 May, 2025

Forum
Assistive Technology

So the glide team sent out an email the other day stating that they’ve reached Alpha 2.0. And somehow this thing is supposed to release in 2025? I doubt it. Also, is there a reason why this thing isn’t being shown out in the street? Every demo has pretty much been a safe controlled environment. Why isn’t it being shown in the street with other pedestrians? Why does it show working crossing the street with cars? Why aren’t they showing us their progress? And then every video they release is people getting interviewed saying this thing is amazing. It’s wonderful. There’s nothing like it in the world. I’m getting really frustrated by the marketing to me. I need real evidence that this thing can actually work in a crowded street with other people.

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Comments

By Brad on Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 00:50

@ash rein, I don't think they were real videos, I think they were more like what glide could be, I could be rong on that though but my understanding is that those were fake what if cenarios.

After all; they're now testing it in real life spaces, they weren't doing that before.

I do think glide could have made that a bit clearer in their first set of videos. Then again; maybe they did and I've just forgottten as they're quite old by now.

By Ash Rein on Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 01:50

A restaurant I went to just outside of Boston had a group of steps that were completely uneven. No rail to be found. Very old-school kind of building. It was kind of like walking up steps carved on the side of a mountain. One step was two or 3 inches then the next step was 6 inches. Then the third step was couple of inches. And they were random. There is no real consistency to it. That is generally gonna be a rare thing. But even cited people have issues with that stuff.

In truth, I’m not messing with this thing for the next five or six years anyway. My dog is still young. I’m more curious about seeing it in action than I am actually wanting to use it. If I ever were to get it, it would be second or third generation. And I wonder if at that point, I might get my site back (at least some of it). There are some very promising gene therapies. One that has specifically caught my eye is called MCO 010.

It’s very late stage trials at this point and showing a lot of promise. I think it’s actually going up for FDA approval soon.

Beyond that, the idea of replacing the eye seems very possible. And, there’s some promise with gold being used to essentially replace retinal cells. No matter what, it’s going to be interesting the next 5 to 10 years. So, wonderful that glide is coming out. Hopefully it’s very successful. And other things are seemingly very close by too.

By Brian on Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 01:50

After reading through the majority of these posts, I have to say that I think I would rather just stick with a Seeing Eye Dog. Far more adaptable, more enjoyable, and far less having to worry about what latest features my guide dog has.
I mean seriously, every post I see about this device ends up being about what features should come with it, versus what features will be added later.
I feel as though people are forgetting what this device is supposed to be meant for, and our seeing it as just another gadget to collect, just 'cause…

By Kevin Shaw on Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 14:50

For the bleep posters here who think Glide is behind schedule, perhaps a bit of perspective would be helpful. Many of these products launched with vaporware promises, rumors, secrets, disappointments and bleep posting sceptics who think they know everything about product development.

  1. Apple iPhone

    • Concept to Launch: Approximately 2-3 years (2004-2007)
    • The iPhone revolutionized the smartphone industry with its touchscreen interface and app ecosystem.
  2. Tesla Model S

    • Concept to Launch: Approximately 5 years (2004-2008)
    • The Model S was a significant step in electric vehicle technology, combining performance with luxury.
  3. Sony PlayStation

    • Concept to Launch: Approximately 5 years (1988-1994)
    • The PlayStation changed the gaming landscape, introducing 3D graphics and CD-ROM technology.
  4. Nintendo Wii

    • Concept to Launch: Approximately 4 years (2001-2005)
    • The Wii introduced motion-sensing controls, making gaming more accessible to a broader audience.
  5. Microsoft Xbox

    • Concept to Launch: Approximately 3 years (1999-2001)
    • The Xbox brought console gaming into the online multiplayer era with Xbox Live.
  6. Amazon Kindle

    • Concept to Launch: Approximately 2 years (2004-2007)
    • The Kindle transformed the way people read books, popularizing e-readers and digital publishing.
  7. GoPro Hero

    • Concept to Launch: Approximately 2 years (2002-2004)
    • The GoPro camera changed the way people capture action sports and adventures.
  8. Oculus Rift

    • Concept to Launch: Approximately 3 years (2012-2016)
    • The Oculus Rift was pivotal in bringing virtual reality to the consumer market.
  9. Fitbit

    • Concept to Launch: Approximately 2 years (2007-2009)
    • Fitbit popularized fitness tracking and wearable technology.
  10. DJI Phantom

    • Concept to Launch: Approximately 3 years (2012-2015)
    • The Phantom series made aerial photography accessible to consumers and hobbyists.

These timelines can vary based on numerous factors, including funding, technological challenges, and market conditions.

By Bingo Little on Monday, May 12, 2025 - 11:28

Another gadget to collect? You could be right. I'll let you know after my own Battle of waterloo. Meanwhile, I had the same conversation with someone about a bread machine the other day. what's the bleedin' point, eh? This chap told me his bread machine was amazing as it had authentic kneading plates. I've got those too, they're called hands! He then told me he only uses the bread machine to mix the dough...why? Just use a food processor in that case! We can all fall victim to the gadget collection fad. Having said all of that, my recent trip to Italy has left me thinking about purchasing a pasta machine. I wonder what Glide would have to say about that?

I did watch some of those older videos. Most importantly, amos gets a refreshing smoothy...please! rather cringeworthy, I thought. I noted also thaqt the videos focused heavily on an environment laid out in blocks, which is the case with most North american cities. European cities, including London, are not laid out in blocks. They're far more confusing. So let's see how it does in what's arguably a more challenging context.

By Lee on Monday, May 12, 2025 - 11:46

Where I live in the UK we have for some reason only known to the council pavements that curve round at crossings. So not a strict on/off thing you have to follow it round until you come to the crossing even though the road is maybe 5m away from the crossing due to the curve. Be interesting to see if Glide takes you to the crossing or seeing the road just crosses you over there.