Google asks Glass wearers not to be ‘Glassholes’

February 26, 2014

Like the parent of an errant child who has made enough rounds at the principal’s office, Google too has some counseling to do when it comes to Google Glass users. The internet behemoth has a few etiquette lessons for Google Glass owners who have had their fair share of trouble in the past.

In a set of do’s and don’ts released online, Google has asked the owners of the internet-equipped glasses to behave in a socially acceptable manner while using the technology.

Google glass explorer

Google asks Glass explorers to use technology in socially acceptable ways. From ochackerz.

Google advises the early adopters of internet eyewear to not be rude (aka, Glassholes) when questioned about Google Glass. The company also asked people to use common sense and not wear glass during certain high-impact activities, such as surfing and cage fighting.

The eyewear, which is still in the testing phase and awaits a wider release, has come under scrutiny many times for posing a threat to privacy. The wearable computer is connected with wireless internet and is a hands-free device enabling users to click pictures and take videos that can be shared through Google+.

What can earn you the title of ‘Glasshole’?

The etiquette guideline was preceded by several incidents in which Google Glass users behaved improperly. Robert Scoble, an IT professional admitted to wearing the Google Glass inside public bathrooms. Nick Starr, another wearer, demanded an apology and termination of the staff who referred to cafe policies in asking him to take off his glass.

The potentially anti-social device has made some people wary, but Google is doing all that it can to change that. For one thing, the screen illuminates whenever the user records or films someone or something, and the camera-equipped glasses require a vocal command to start an action. This ensures that no one surreptitiously takes pictures using the device.

Google Glass etiquette

Google lists out do’s and don’ts of exploring the world through Google Glass. It advises users to

  • Ask for permission before clicking pictures or recording a video.
  • Avoid “Glass-out,”  Google’s term for staring into the the device for too long.
  • Take off the glass if you are disturbed by the interruption caused by people’s questions.
  • Don’t be rude when asked about the new technology. Be polite and explain.

The company reminds wearers that all rules applicable to using cell phone cameras apply to using Google Glass as well. 

People worried about privacy refrain from buying Google Glass

Where Google Glass has changed the rules of augmented reality, it has also raised concerns over the privacy of those exposed to this technology involuntarily.

In a survey conducted to see whether people would consider buying and wearing Google Glasses, 59 percent of the respondents answered negatively while only 28 percent said they would think about buying it. Similarly, 54 percent of respondents revealed that they would not feel comfortable interacting with someone wearing Google Glass.

Despite the reactions, the technology will gain more ground in near future, or so tells the Google Glass annual sales forecast. According to the company’s sales prediction, Google is expected to sell 21,148,611 pairs by 2018.

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Category: Technology

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