Google sets about busting Google Glass myths
Search giant moves to alleviate privacy and usage concerns around Google Glass.
Google has released a list of myth-busting facts about Google Glass, in a bid to dispel some of the most common misconceptions about its flagship wearable tech product.
"In its relatively short existence, Glass has seen some myths develop around it," the post on Google+ states. "While we're flattered by the attention, we thought it might make sense to tackle them all, just to clear the air."
Google paints Glass as a way to engage more with real life, and - unlike a smartphone - allows users to access information quickly without appearing anti-social.
The search giant also wants Glass to be adopted by everyone, not just tech geeks.
"In fact, many Explorers [Google Glass testers] say because of Glass they use technology less, because they're using it much more efficiently," the post reads.
Google also moved to assuage fears of the technology's recording capabilities, saying its surveillance potential is not as bad as people think. It reminds users that Glass is not physically capable of constantly recording, because of battery life limitations.
A Google rep recently told IT Pro that the current crop of headsets heat up during video recording, which would make constant recording very uncomfortable for users.
Get the ITPro. daily newsletter
Receive our latest news, industry updates, featured resources and more. Sign up today to receive our FREE report on AI cyber crime & security - newly updated for 2024.
"Let's be honest: if someone wants to secretly record you, there are much, much better cameras out there than the one you wear conspicuously on your face," the company wrote on their Glass page.
"Today there are more cameras than ever before. In ten years there will be even more cameras, with or without Glass."
Google's response reflects public unease with Glass. The new smart frames face widespread resistance by wary users, according to a recent IT Pro report.
"[The] basic concept of privacy is that you get to decide what you are comfortable with in terms of sharing data," said Nick Pickles, director of privacy watchdog Big Brother Watch.
"I think Glass reverses that. So rather than being in control of what information is disseminated around the web about you, it's the person wearing Google Glass who makes the decision for you."
Lastly, Google took the chance to remind readers that its frames are not ready for mass production yet. Glass is still a beta product that needs more work before it goes on general release.
Google hasn't given any details about release date or pricing of the consumer version of Glass, but rumours suggest it will go on sale sometime later this year.
The myth post follow's Google's advice page of how not to be a "Glasshole." The company is trying to alleviate potential conflicts as Glass enters more spaces, especially now that you can get it with prescription lenses.