Jason Rugolo, a self-starter and creator of the next-generation audio wearable IyO, shares insights on how technology can enhance presence rather than distract. He discusses the evolution of wearable devices like Google Glass and the challenges of integrating digital and physical experiences. The conversation covers innovative audio technology, emphasizing real-time translation through stylish devices. Rugolo also reflects on the importance of timing in entrepreneurship and the role of creativity and collaboration in tech development.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Epic Google Glass Launch Story
Google Glass launched with a dramatic wingsuit jump and blimp demonstration in 2012.
Sergey Brin received the device delivered right on stage, showcasing an unforgettable reveal event.
insights INSIGHT
Glass's Vision: Eyes Forward
Glass aimed to stop people from looking down at phones by keeping attention forward.
It sought to unify physical and digital experiences into one seamless reality.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Design Challenges of Glass
Designers debated whether Glass should look like traditional glasses or something futuristic.
Isabelle Olsson sanded smartphone components herself to make Glass more organic and comfortable.
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The book follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary Englishman, whose house and planet are about to be demolished. He is rescued by his friend Ford Prefect, an alien researcher for the 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'. Together, they embark on a journey through space, encountering various characters such as Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two-headed, three-armed president of the galaxy, Trillian, a human woman, and Marvin, a paranoid android. The story involves their adventures on the spaceship Heart of Gold, which has an Infinite Improbability Drive, and their quest to understand the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything, which is revealed to be '42'. The novel is known for its humor, satire, and imaginative storytelling.
Alice in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll
What if, rather than making you distracted, your smart device helped you be more present?
In this episode, we revisit the early days of Google Glass: a bold Moonshot that opened up new ways of seeing and being in the world. We go behind the scenes with the designers and engineers who shaped it – and hear how their insights helped inspire IyO, a next-generation audio wearable designed to integrate our digital and physical lives while also liberating us from screens. From skydiving, to the real-life “babel fish”, this is a story about the power of invention, the importance of timing, and how to design and build technology that fits humanity – not the other way around.
Hosted by Astro Teller, Captain of Moonshots, The Moonshot Podcast goes behind the scenes with the engineers and inventors using breakthrough technologies to try to find radical solutions to the world’s biggest problems. These are the untold stories from 15 years of Google’s innovation lab.
Thank you to Ivy Ross, Isabelle Olsson, Ivo Stirovic, Jason Rugolo and Joe Sargent for featuring in this episode.
The Moonshot Podcast is a Blanchard House production for X, The Moonshot Factory. It’s produced by Ellie Sans and Sophie Eastaugh. Original music by Louis Nanke-Mannell and Daniel Lloyd-Evans. Sound design and mix engineering by Louis Nanke-Mannell. The executive producers are Amica Sciortino Nowlan and Rebecca Maxted.
The Moonshot Podcast 
