How To Wear Google Glass (Without Being A Creep)

Google Glass — AKA the computer you wear on your face — is set to launch at an unspecified date later this year. Doubtlessly many of you are eager to try out this intriguing new technology, which will lead to entirely new social interactions and potential faux pas. Google recommends the following Glass etiquette techniques that will stop you from becoming a ‘Glasshole’.

Google Glass is essentially a wearable computing device in the form of a transparent lens positioned over the right eye. It can be used to record point-of-view HD video and display contextual information in real time, such as calender alerts and GPS tracking. It can also issue voice commands.

For the past couple of years, Glass prototypes have been tested in the wild by a handful of developers, tech journalists, politicos and geeky celebrities affectionately dubbed ‘Explorers’. Below is their collective wisdom on how not to wear this new technology.

Don’t ‘Glass-out’: Glass was built for short bursts of information and interactions that allow you to quickly get back to doing the other things you love. If you find yourself staring off into the prism for long periods of time you’re probably looking pretty weird to the people around you. So don’t read War and Peace on Glass. Things like that are better done on bigger screens.
 
Don’t rock Glass while doing high-impact sports: Glass is a piece of technology, so use common sense. Water skiing, bull riding or cage fighting with Glass are probably not good ideas.
 
Don’t wear it and expect to be ignored: Let’s face it, you’re gonna get some questions. Be patient and explain that Glass has a lot of the same features as a mobile phone (camera, maps, email, etc.). Also, develop your own etiquette. If you’re worried about someone interrupting that romantic dinner at a nice restaurant with a question about Glass, just take it off and put it around the back of your neck or in your bag.
 
Don’t be creepy or rude (aka, a “Glasshole”): Respect others and if they have questions about Glass don’t get snappy. Be polite and explain what Glass does and remember, a quick demo can go a long way. In places where cell phone cameras aren’t allowed, the same rules will apply to Glass. If you’re asked to turn your phone off, turn Glass off as well. Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers.

In addition to the behavior that should be avoided, Google has also listed some handy Glass-wearing tips to help people get the most out of the device. This includes obvious stuff like asking permission before you take photos or video of people; just as you would with a camcorder or phone camera.

You should also keep the screen-lock enabled to prevent others from using it and trigger the remote-wipe function if it happens to get stolen. You can read the rest of the recommendations at Google’s website. You can also check out what the device looks like in the video below:

What are your thoughts on Google Glass and augmented-reality glasses in general? Will you be picking one up at launch? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

See also: Ask LH: Is It Legal To Drive While Wearing Google Glass? | Meta Smart Glasses: Meet The Australian Who Wants To Topple Google Glass | Build Your Own Google Glass-Style Wearable Computer

[Via Gizmodo]


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