Google to Glass users: Don't be a 'Glasshole'

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Google has asked Glass users to not be rude and "creepy" when using the device, issuing a list of "do's" and "dont's" when using Glass in public.

Google on Tuesday laid out etiquette guidelines they have asked Glass users to follow, probably in response to certain incidents involving the use of the wearable in public. People have been hostile to the idea of being recorded without their knowledge and strongly feel the device can be used to invade their privacy.

"Standing alone in the corner of a room staring at people while recording them through Glass is not going to win you any friends. The Glass camera function is no different from a cell phone so behave as you would with your phone and ask permission before taking photos or videos of others."

They also said that the Glass is to be used in short bursts and not to "Glassout," because if one were to stare endlessly into the device for long periods of time, it would definitely look weird. Another sound piece of advice was to refrain from using Glass while playing high-impact sports.

The message also acknowledged the term "Glasshole," and asks users to use their Glass much like they would use their mobile phones. If there are places where you are asked to switch off your phones, Google suggests that the same should apply to the Glass.

Glass seems to be experiencing what the camera phone did, when it first came out. A lot of people were worried, and some rightfully, about how the device could be used to invade their privacy. But having gotten over that bump, it is almost a given that modern cellphones will have a camera, and Google is hoping the public comes to accept the Glass in a similar way.

At present, Google Glass is available to only a select few who are part of the Glass Explorer program. It seems Google is responding to sharp criticism regarding the use of the Glass in public and would like to quell this anger before beginning mass production.

[Google Glass Blog]