Google: How not to be a "Glasshole"
As the public release date approaches, Google is helping Google Glass wearers deal with all of the attention the new technology attracts.
The digital eyeglass-style headsets -- which can search the Internet on voice command, record video, and more -- are expected to hit the market by the end of the year. Preview models have already proven popular with doctors and professional sports teams, along with a growing number of early adopters.
But the devices have not been welcome everywhere. One Seattle restaurant banned the wearable technology in November 2013, and an Ohio man was questioned when he wore his Google Glass to a movie theater.
And so, the company asked current "Glass Explorers" for their do's and don'ts. It posted the tongue-in-cheek advice on its site. The highlights read like a hybrid between an etiquette manual and a sales training guide. For example:
Don't "Wear it and expect to be ignored"
"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... Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers."
Do "Ask for permission"
"Standing alone in the corner of a room staring at people while recording them through Glass is not going to win you any friends."
Do "Take advantage of the Glass voice commands"
"Glass can free your hands up to do other things like golfing, cooking, or juggling flaming torches while balancing on a beach ball."
The list also includes some common-sense advice, such as warning users not to wear Google Glass during high-impact sports, or for extended periods of time. "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," it says.
The advice comes as Google Glass technology is becoming increasingly widespread. Google unveiled plans earlier this month for the technology to be incorporated into prescription eyewear. The NYPD also announced it will be testing the device for possible law enforcement use.