Google Lists Top 10 Google Glass Myths
In an effort to avoid confusion around its Glass, Google has published a list debunking what it describes as the top 10 myths surrounding its controversial smart headset.
Published to the Google Glass Google+ page on Friday, Google aims to address everything from claims that the device is distractive to the privacy issues.
Google says that instead of looking down at your computer, phone or tablet while life happens around you, Glass allows you to look up and engage with the world. Glass is off by default and only on when the wearer wants it to be.
Google says Glass is not recording everything as its screen is off by default. Video recording on Glass is set to last 10 seconds. People can record for longer, but Glass isn't designed for or even capable of always-on recording (the battery won't last longer than 45 minutes before it needs to be charged).
Google added that Glass does not facial recognition, regardless of technological feasibility. And if "a weird" application is created, it'll not get distributed in Google's MyGlass store.
Google also clarified that the Glass screen is above the right eye, not in front or over it, in order to allow for eye contact and looking up.
However, its argument against the device's perceived erosion of privacy may be less convincing for some critics: the post notes that the same was said when the camera was invented in the 19th century. "Cameras were banned in parks, at national monuments and on beaches. People feared the same when the first cell phone cameras came out. Today, there are more cameras than ever before. In ten years there will be even more cameras, with or without Glass."
For the full list, check out the Google+ page.
Google Glass has come in for a lot of criticism since it was unveiled in initial prototype form in 2011. A number of US states have moved to ban the wearing of Google Glass while driving.
Some of the negativity surrounding Google Glass is also a result of the behavior of the Glass Explorers, the first wave of early adopters who are currently testing the product. Google was recently moved to publish a similar list that it hoped would help Google Glass wearers to stop acting like "Glassholes".
Google says that instead of looking down at your computer, phone or tablet while life happens around you, Glass allows you to look up and engage with the world. Glass is off by default and only on when the wearer wants it to be.
Google says Glass is not recording everything as its screen is off by default. Video recording on Glass is set to last 10 seconds. People can record for longer, but Glass isn't designed for or even capable of always-on recording (the battery won't last longer than 45 minutes before it needs to be charged).
Google added that Glass does not facial recognition, regardless of technological feasibility. And if "a weird" application is created, it'll not get distributed in Google's MyGlass store.
Google also clarified that the Glass screen is above the right eye, not in front or over it, in order to allow for eye contact and looking up.
However, its argument against the device's perceived erosion of privacy may be less convincing for some critics: the post notes that the same was said when the camera was invented in the 19th century. "Cameras were banned in parks, at national monuments and on beaches. People feared the same when the first cell phone cameras came out. Today, there are more cameras than ever before. In ten years there will be even more cameras, with or without Glass."
For the full list, check out the Google+ page.
Google Glass has come in for a lot of criticism since it was unveiled in initial prototype form in 2011. A number of US states have moved to ban the wearing of Google Glass while driving.
Some of the negativity surrounding Google Glass is also a result of the behavior of the Glass Explorers, the first wave of early adopters who are currently testing the product. Google was recently moved to publish a similar list that it hoped would help Google Glass wearers to stop acting like "Glassholes".
