Google Lays Out Ground Rules For Glass Users

Following a series of recent high profile incidents related to its Glass wearable technology, Google has provided a list of recommendations for users, which describe how one should behave while wearing the device.

The company has published a list of ‘Do’s’ and ‘Don’ts’ inspired by the feedback from the initial beta testers and users of Glass, known as ‘explorers’ by those positive to the device and ‘glassholes’ to those less welcoming.

These include advice on how to “respect others”, as well as the need to “be polite and explain what Glass does” to curious members of the public.

Good advice

In recent weeks, several incidents have shown that law enforcement agencies and politicians still seem unaware of how to treat the device. “In places where cell phone cameras aren’t allowed, the same rules will apply to Glass,” Google’s advice reads, perhaps in reaction to a recent episode in the US where a moviegoer was dragged out of a cinema and questioned by Homeland Security forces who suspected him of illegally recording the film he was watching.

The four ‘Don’t’s’ include the need to take breaks when using the device (“don’t read War and Peace on Glass. Things like that are better done on bigger screens”) and remind users not to wear Glass when engaging in extreme sports, despite skydiving featuring in one of Glass’ first advertising campaigns.

Glass’ five ‘Do’s’ include several key reminders about how to operate the device, such as remembering to use screen lock to prevent others from accessing your data, as well as using voice commands. Google is also keen for as much feedback as possible in order to develop Glass further, and urges users to “explore the world around you” and “be an active and vocal member of the Glass Explore Community”.

Despite the perceived negativity, Google Glass does appear to be steadily growing in popularity amongst both consumers and businesses looking to engage the device in everyday life.

Glass has been called upon in a wide variety of areas, with the New York Police Department recently announcing it was planning a trial of the device to see how it might help with police work. Last week, airline Virgin Atlantic also said it was planning to use the device in a project designed to make flying more “glamorous” by speeding up check-in for its Upper Class passengers.

An official consumer launch of Glass is expected sometime this year, but for now, as Google’s advice says, Glass users should not expect to be ignored whilst wearing the unusual spectacles.

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