Google has released some official advice for potential users of Google Glass before the device is made public at the end of the year.
Keeping an eye (excuse the pun) on consumer concerns about privacy, the company has provided a list of do’s and dont’s for its new wearable tech.
Some of the more interesting, and frankly quite funny, tips provided by Google are as follows:
DON’T: Be creepy or rude (aka a ‘Glasshole’)
Yes, Google itself used the derogatory term “Glasshole” (although it’s used here as a term for bad behaviour, as opposed to its broader meaning as a slur, voiced by some critics, used to describe anybody wearing the headset).
“If you’re asked to turn your phone off, turn Glass off as well,” Google writes. “Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers.”
DO: Take advantage of the Glass voice commands
This is the real advantage of a lot of wearable tech. You don’t have to fiddle around with it like you do a smartphone. This is what Google had to say:
“Glass can free your hands up to do other things like golfing, cooking, or juggling flaming torches while balancing on a beach ball.”
DON’T: Glass out
Google is pushing Glass as a way of getting quick updates as a complement to other mobile devices instead of a replacement.
“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,” the post reads. “So don’t read War and Peace on Glass.”
DO: Use screen lock
Once you’ve customised your Glass, it will contain your e-mails and other sources of personal information, so be careful not to let it fall in to the wrong hands.
DON’T: Wear it and expect to be ignored
Google is treating its Explorers (many of whom forked over $1,500 for the right to say they were first) as walking billboards for the product.
They don’t, however, want those billboards acting like ‘Glassholes’.
Google states: “If you’re worried about someone interrupting that romantic dinner at a nice restaurant with a question about Glass, just take it off.”
So if you’re planning to purchase Google’s wearable device in the near future, head over to the Glass website for the expanded list of tips from the company. And remember, nobody likes a Glasshole!
Source: CNN, The Guardian
