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Tag: Google Glass

  • Checking Maps While Driving Not Part of Cellphone Ban, Rules California Court

    A California appeals court has ruled that consulting Google Maps on your cellphone is not the same thing as talking or texting on said phone, and therefore does not fall under the handheld ban the state issued back in 2008. Effectively, that means you can use your device to look up directions without the fear of an eagle-eyed cop handing you a pricey ticket.

    The ruling comes from a two-year case involving one Steven Spriggs, who was ticketed for consulting a map on his iPhone while trying to navigate construction traffic in 2012. A motorcycle patrol officer saw Spriggs and gave him a $165 ticket–one that he immediately protested.

    He would lose that initial protest.

    About a year later, in March of 2013, he appealed his case to a Fresno County Superior Court, where he once again lost. That court clarified that use of a cellphone’s GPS or map features while driving is part of California’s no-handheld law.

    But with the ruling today by the 5th District Court of Appeal, drivers in the state will be able to consult their phones for directions–even when their car is in motion.

    California’s first ban on using handheld devices while driving went into effect in July of 2008. The state later added to the statutes, making texting while driving illegal in 2009. Motorists are allowed to use a hands-free device, but only if they’re over the age of 18. All of these laws are primary infractions, meaning officers can pull you over for talking on your cellphone and talking on your cellphone only.

    The AP reports that the appellate court said the current laws “could have been written more clearly,” and the law that Spriggs was ticketed under only applies to “listening and talking” on a handheld device–not any other activities.

    Of course, the laws in California and other states could probably use a rewrite–just for clarity’s sake. For instance, what if I’m just changing songs on my Spotify app? What then?

    Maybe we’ll see those updates when states begin to update the code to tackle new wearable tech, like Google Glass.

    Image via Google Maps, iTunes

  • Google Lobbies to Keep Glass Legal on the Highway

    In news that can’t come as much of a surprise, Google has begun to throw its mighty weight around to halt state legislation that would cripple or even totally ban the use of Google Glass while driving.

    Reuters reports that Google is currently lobbying officials in at least three states where anti-Google Glass legislation has sprung up, including Illinois, Delaware, and Missouri. Lawmakers in those states are concerned about distracted driving, and feel that Google’s burgeoning technology could have a negative impact on highway safety.

    Similar legislation has also been proposed in New York, West Virginia, Maryland, Wyoming, and New Jersey–but there’s been no confirmation that Google has descended upon lawmakers in those states. Yet. If they’re not there already, you better believe that it’s only a matter of time.

    Reuters cites lobbying disclosure records and anonymous inquiries.

    So far, we’ve only seen one case reach the public eye concerning driving while wearing Google Glass. Earlier this year, a California woman was ticketed for operating a motor vehicle while donning Google’s wearable tech. Though there was no law on the books specifically banning Google Glass, the officer cited a vague statute that says “a person shall not drive a motor vehicle” where a “display is visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle.” The law is clearly outdated, as it only references television receivers and video monitors.

    That woman took her case to court and had her ticket dismissed. It’s important to note that the court made no inferences about the actual legality of driving with Google Glass–they simply had to let it go because there was no proof that she was actually operating her Google Glass when the car was in motion.

    Still, the case made headlines and even inspired some of the aforementioned legislation.

    “The recent case in California where a woman was ticketed for distracted driving because she was wearing ‘Google Glasses’ while driving highlights the need for legislation to expressly prohibit the use of this extremely dangerous technology. I will continue to fight to keep our highways safe as I have done for many years,” said Felix Ortiz, who sponsored an anti-Glass-while-driving bill in New York.

    For now, all Google can do is warn users that each state has their own laws and regulations on mobile devices.

    “As you probably know, most states have passed laws limiting the use of mobile devices while driving any motor vehicle, and most states post those rules on their department of motor vehicles websites. Explorers should read up and follow the law. Above all, even when you’re following the law, don’t hurt yourself or others by failing to pay attention to the road. The same goes for bicycling: whether or not any laws limit your use of Glass, always be careful,” they say in a FAQ section on Glass.

    Of course, Google Glass may or may not fall into that category. Though some lawmakers may just be looking to clarify the laws, Google is most definitely concerned that their tech, by far the most-visible of the bunch, will becomes a legislative scapegoat.

    Image via YouTube

  • We Now Have a Report of an Assault by Google Glass Haters

    UPDATE: An earlier version of this article sported the title “We Now Have a Report of a Google Glass Hate Crime.” Of course I wasn’t seriously giving it the gravity of a true hate crime. It was a bit tongue-in-cheek. I was just emphasizing the fact that the Google Glass explorers community considers themselves as such–a community, or a group. It’s just a comment on the fact that the offenders pretty much said “you people are ruining our city.” If it came off as insensitive, that was not my intention.

    A San Francisco woman claims that she was assaulted and robbed inside an area bar by some Google Glass haters. Sarah Slocum says she was “verbally and physically asaulted and robbed last night in the city” by a couple of individuals who were none-too-happy with her wearable tech.

    “I have video of one of the girls saying that ‘we are destroying the city’ and video of the guy ripping them off my face,” she says on a Facebook post.

    Post by Sarah Slocum.

    The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the alleged assault took place in the city’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Although Slocum says that she filed a police report, the Chronicle quotes officials who say they are unaware of any incident.

    “The only thing that I got back that night was the glass. I filed a police report yesterday but the police have not found the people or guy that did it or my stuff. I don’t plan on getting anything back. It happened at this bar called Molotov between Ashbury and Valencia and was started by these two girls who acted like they owned the place and must go there regularly because lots of their friends or the locals there started *haighting* too and backing them up,” says Slocum.

    “These…people were just bitter, ugly, nasty, angry, jealous, confused and threatened people and this was apparently their hive.”

    Google recently put out a nice little guide to not being a Glasshole–you know, a Google Glass-wearing asshole.

    “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. In places where cell phone cameras aren’t allowed, the same rules will apply to Glass. If you’re asked to turn your phone off, turn Glass off as well. Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers,” explains Google.

    Maybe they need to come out with some suggestions for how to deal with Google Glass from the other side–”don’t rip them off someone’s face” or something like that. You know, keep it simple.

    “I hope this doesn’t deter anyone from getting Google Glass. Usually the experience is 180 degrees different, and right before this happened I was showing one of the normal, excited and curious individuals there how it works, letting them try it on and demonstrating it for them. This is the experience 95% of the time,” she says.

    Right now, this is just a report. But there’s really no reason to believe that Slocum would just make all of this up and open herself up to scrutiny and possible criticism (it’s the internet after all). Sure, we’ve seen some Google Glass explorers go to some extreme lengths to ride the publicity wave before, but it looks like Slocum just wants to get this story out there.

    She recently filmed an interview with a local news station that will air tonight.

    Post by Sarah Slocum.

    I’m sure any video Slocum can pull off her Glass will help. Imagine that–if Google Glass wound up capturing damning video of a crime–a crime spurred on by a hatred for Google Glass.

    Image via lawrencegs, Flickr

  • UNC Basketball Player Straps on Google Glass for Warmups

    Though you’re unlikely to see college or professional athletes sporting Google Glass during actual games, plenty of them are showing what it’s like to really be in the moment, POV style, through Google Glass.

    Here’s another example of just how cool Google Glass could be and what an asset it can be for POV documentation (as long as we get past the Glassholes stage).

    Cool, right? That’s UNC Senior Wade Moody behind the specs.

    Google recently came out with a “dos and don’ts” list for Glass, and had this to say about wearing the glasses during contact activity:

    “Don’t rock glass while doing high-impact sports. Glass is a piece of technology, so use common sense. Water skiing, bull riding or cage fighting with Glass are probably not good ideas.”

    I guess basketball is ok.

    Of course, the Tar Heel isn’t the first athlete to get their hands on a pair of Google Glass. The Sacramento Kings are starting to put the tech on their players, mascots, and dancers. We’ve also seen NFL punters and champion tennis players sport Google Glass in recent months.

    Image via YouTube

  • Google: Being a Glasshole Will Ruin Everything for Everyone

    With new and unfamiliar technology, one of the keys to making sure it grows is to make sure people have a good first impression. For instance, do you really think that all the mall cops of Segways helped Segway?

    I say that because Google is acknowledging that some Google Glass users are, well, Glassholes.

    TechCrunch pointed me toward Google’s Glass Explorers page, which has existed for some time, but until now I’d never noticed that the company actually tells people to refrain from acting like Glassholes– you know, Google Glass-wearing assholes. Glassholes.

    On a page titled “Do’s and Don’ts,” Google specifically states “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. In places where cell phone cameras aren’t allowed, the same rules will apply to Glass. If you’re asked to turn your phone off, turn Glass off as well. Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers.”

    Basically, Google is saying that if you’re rude with your Google Glass, that’s why we can’t have nice things.

    Also, you can expect questions. For one, you have something weird strapped to your face.

    “Let’s face it, you’re gonna get some questions. Be patient and explain that Glass has a lot of the same features as a mobile phone (camera, maps, email, etc.). Also, develop your own etiquette. 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,” says Google.

    So, all Google has to do is make people stop proposing through Google Glass and I think we’ll be good.

    Image via Robert Scoble, Google+. I’m not saying Robert Scoble’s a Glasshole or anything–I’m sure he’s more than courteous with his wearable tech. Just…this picture….wow…

  • Proposing Through Google Glass Is Already a Thing, Will Probably Become a Bigger Thing

    Google Glass is still a technology in its infancy–with only a small percentage of “explorers” currently sporting the smart goggles. Still, that hasn’t stopped them from documenting even the most intimate and personal experiences via Glass, for the entire world to see.

    Case in point–the rash of Google Glass explorers that are using the tech to capture their marriage proposals. Google recently released a cutesy video called “Marry me (through Google Glass),” which features a handful of couples popping/getting popped the big question.

    “The beauty of Glass is that it allows us to capture important moments both big and small. It’s not about technology, it’s about the people who use it. Congrats to all our betrothed Explorers in this film, and thanks for sharing your special moment,” said the Google Glass team in a post.

    I think I know the next step.

    Image via YouTube

  • The NYPD Is Reportedly Embracing Google Glass

    As the legal battles between early Google Glass adopters and the law enforcement officials who can’t stand the Glassholes heat up, the country’s largest municipal police force is warming to the new tech.

    VentureBeat is reporting that the New York Police Department is running their own little beta test program for Google Glass, equipping a handful of their officers with Google’s much-hyped spectacles.

    “We signed up, got a few pairs of the Google glasses, and we’re trying them out, seeing if they have any value in investigations, mostly for patrol purposes…We’re looking at them, you know, seeing how they work,” said a police source, who VentureBeat describes as a ranking NYC law enforcement official.

    “We think it could help impact patrol operations in New York City. We shall see.”

    Apparently, this isn’t some sort of partnership between Google and the NYPD. The Glass-strapped officers simply acquired their nerd specs the same way everyone else has so far – through the Google Glass explorer program.

    Google made a point to mention that their Glass explorers come from all walks of life. So a few cops got their hands on Google Glass, and here we are.

    If all of this police wearing cameras thing sounds a bit familiar, that’s because some New York City cops are already being forced to wear cameras on them at all times. As a edict stemming from a recent ruling that called the city’s “stop-and-frisk” policy unconstitutional, a judge ordered a one-year pilot program wherein some patrol units would wear video cameras on their person at all time. The program is set to be reevaluated after the year is up to determine whether or not it should be expanded.

    I guess Google Glass is a bit sleeker than some dorky body camera.

    Like I said before, Google Glass is currently walking a fine line in some states (including New York), where legislators are already putting the gears in motion to ban the technology inside motor vehicles. A California woman recently made headlines when she was given the country’s first “driving while Google Glassing” ticket – a charge which she later fought in court and emerged victorious.

    Expect some fierce debate about this development. On one hand, Google Glass could help to monitor police activity – maybe resulting in more accountability. Then again, it’s just another person recording your every move – something likely to set the surveillance state activists on edge (and this time, it’s a cop doing the street-level monitoring). I mean, dashcams are one thing, but this is a whole new animal. All we can say right now is that this sure is interesting.

    Image via Google

  • The Sacramento Kings Are Putting Google Glass on Their Players, Mascot, and Dancers

    The Sacramento Kings are officially the tech geeks of the sports world.

    Just a few days ago, the Kings organization became the first professional sports franchise to accept Bitcoin (people to purchase tickets and merch with the digital currency). Now, they’re strapping Google Glass on people and broadcasting the action on their jumbotron.

    From the Kings:

    The technology will allow fans at the game, and viewing at home, to witness the courtside experience through the eyes of Slamson, Kings dancers, sideline reporters and others closest to the action live as they stream their first-person views through Google Glass. The Glass broadcasts are the latest new technology feature the Kings are testing to improve the in-arena experience for fans.

    The experience will be powered by CrowdOptic, a software platform which analyzes the real-time Google Glass feeds and curates them by their subject matter and quality, exporting only the highest quality live footage to the arena scoreboard.

    “Fans could simply aim their smart devices to inherit someone else’s Google Glass view, or evaluate concessions lines. It is just a matter of time before Google Glass is an integral part of the fan experience of watching live sports. We are very excited about the many future possibilities working with CrowdOptic,” says Kings President Chris Granger.

    From the preview video below (filmed at a recent home game), it looks like players are going to wear Google Glass too – though I doubt the wearable tech will make an appearance during actual gametime.

    This isn’t the first time we’ve seen how Google Glass can take sports fans inside the experience. Last year, NFL punter Chris Kluwe showed us training camp through Glass, a top NBA prospect wore the tech to the Draft, and Google Glass took a trip to Wimbledon.

    Google has acknowledged Glass’ “potential in the sports realm” to connect athletes, coaches, and fans in new ways. What do you think?

    Image via Sacramento Kings, YouTube

  • Guy Wears Google Glass at a Movie, Shocked When Hassled by Feds

    As the debate rages on concerning where you can and cannot operate Google’s new nerd goggles, Google Glass, can we at least agree on something – it’s probably best to leave them out of the movie theater?

    This is not a piracy argument, and it’s not an argument for or against any tactics law enforcement may or may not have employed. If this currently one-sided story is to be taken at face value, the authorities in charge here appear to have acted inappropriately – or at least took things a bit far. I’m simply talking common sense here. Seriously, just leave the Google Glass at home next time you go to the movies (or at least take them off your face when the movie starts).

    So here’s the story. According to someone who wishes to remain anonymous, the Feds had a pretty rough go at him for wearing Google Glass at a Saturday night showing of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. Our Google Glass pioneer’s story first appeared on The Gadgeteer, where he claims that the AMC theater in Columbus, Ohio aided the FBI in removing him from the movie, “detaining,” and questioning him for over an hour – all the while accusing him of illegally recording the film.

    A charge that he vehemently denies. From his account:

    I kept telling them that I wasn’t recording anything – my Glass was off, they insisted they saw it on. I told them there would be a light coming out the little screen if Glass was on, and I could show them that, but they insisted that I cannot touch my Glass for the fear “I will erase the evidence against me that was on Glass”. I didn’t have the intuition to tell them that Glass gets really warm if it records for more than a few minutes and my glasses were not warm.

    They wanted to know where I got Glass and how did I came by having it. I told them I applied about 1000 times to get in the explorer program, and eventually I was selected, and I got the Glass from Google. I offered to show them receipt and Google Glass website if they would allow me to access any computer with internet. Of course, that was not an option. Then they wanted to know what does Google ask of me in exchange for Glass, how much is Google paying me, who is my boss and why am I recording the movie.

    Our Glass user says that he was only wearing them because they contain his prescription lenses – basically he was just wearing the tech as his normal prescription eyewear (he had a normal pair of glasses which he’d left in the car).

    After an hour or so of questioning, one which involved the downloading of personal files from his Glass onto a satellite laptop in order to prove he wasn’t recording the movie (something he himself suggested), he was apparently given free passes to another show and an apology from a guy at the so-called “Movie Association.”

    An apology which didn’t really assuage his frustration, by the way.

    In the end, our anonymous Glass user concedes that this probably could have been avoided:

    I guess until people get more familiar with Google Glass and understand what they are, one should not wear them to the movies. I wish they would have said something before I went to the movies, but it may be my mistake for assuming that if I went and watched movies two times wearing Glass with no incident the third time there won’t be any incident either. As for the federal agents and their level of comprehension… I guess if they deal with petty criminals every day, everybody starts looking like a petty criminal. Again, I wish they would have listened when I told them how to verify I did nothing illegal, or at least apologize afterwards, but hey… this is the free country everybody praises. Somewhere else might be even worse.

    It also may have been the case that he simply got unlucky. Here’s what he told Phandroid:

    “From what (REDACTED) said, they were having known issues on that theatre, and they had suspicions there would be attempts to pirate that particular movie. Columbus is not a big city, and I think it was about an hour after the movie started until they snatched me out.”

    Yeah, the Feds look pretty incompetent here. As does the theater. But in the end, dude shoulda saw this coming, right? If I were to watch a movie, in a theater, with my iPhone pointed at the screen the entire time – what would be the result? On or off, innocent or malicious – that just looks bad. If you sit through a movie with a camera on your face, it’s can’t be that shocking when suspicions are aroused.

    Alongside casinos and motor vehicles, I’m sure we’ll soon add movie theaters to the list of places where Google Glass is banned. But until it’s specifically banned, it’s probably wise to take the damn things off your face when you’re in a movie.

    Image via lawrencegs, Flickr

  • Google Contact Lenses Are Now Official

    We reported two years ago that Google contact lenses were likely on the way, after Glass was unveiled, and finding that one of the engineers had previously given a talk discussing such devices.

    Now, Google has actually announced smart contact lenses. It’s not what you think though. It’s not the contact lens version of Google Glass. At least not yet.

    Google’s contact lenses have to do with health – specifically keeping glucose levels under control for diabetics.

    “Over the years, many scientists have investigated various body fluids—such as tears—in the hopes of finding an easier way for people to track their glucose levels,” write Brian Otis and Babak Parviz, the project’s co-founders (Parviz being the engineer mentioned above). “But as you can imagine, tears are hard to collect and study. At Google[x], we wondered if miniaturized electronics—think: chips and sensors so small they look like bits of glitter, and an antenna thinner than a human hair—might be a way to crack the mystery of tear glucose and measure it with greater accuracy.”

    “We’re now testing a smart contact lens that’s built to measure glucose levels in tears using a tiny wireless chip and miniaturized glucose sensor that are embedded between two layers of soft contact lens material,” the two explain. “We’re testing prototypes that can generate a reading once per second. We’re also investigating the potential for this to serve as an early warning for the wearer, so we’re exploring integrating tiny LED lights that could light up to indicate that glucose levels have crossed above or below certain thresholds. It’s still early days for this technology, but we’ve completed multiple clinical research studies which are helping to refine our prototype. We hope this could someday lead to a new way for people with diabetes to manage their disease.”

    Google did not even bring up Google Glass in the announcement, but that’s not to say the technologies couldn’t merge in the future. Who’s to say they’re not already working on it? First of all, watch Parviz’s presentation. He’s clearly thinking bigger with contact lenses, and he outlines some pretty incredible possibilities, which could make these things (and Glass, for that matter) a great deal more useful. My favorite example is the “super vision” idea.

    Other concepts he discusses include: gaming, virtual reality, augmented reality, interfacing with mobile, night vision, and multi-focal electronic contact lenses.

    There’s a lot of potential with this technology, and now that Google actually has something to show off, even if it’s still testing, it suggests that this kind of stuff may be closer than we thought. If you thought Glass turned people into cyborgs, wait for this stuff. Of course Google is buying up robotics companies left and right too, not to mention Nest, makers of smart home devices like thermostats and smoke alarms. Imagine if these things interfaced with Google contact lenses. Who knows what Google will let you do in the future? Wink to adjust your heat? Be alerted within your actual field of vision when there’s a fire in your home?

    But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Right now, Google’s contacts have a specific purpose, and it will have to prove their legitimacy there first. The company is currently in discussions with the FDA, and admits that there’s still a lot more work to be done “to turn this technology into a system that people can use.”

    Google says it intends to look for partners to develop apps that would make measurements available to the wearer and to doctors. Perhaps they shut down Google Health too early.

    Image via Google

  • Woman Ticketed for Driving with Google Glass Wins in Court

    The California woman who was recently ticketed for wearing Google Glass while driving (the first such citation in the country) has been let off the hook.

    A court dismissed Cecilia Abadie’s ticket on Thursday afternoon, saying that there was no proof that her Google Glass was actually operating when she was pulled over. The officer that cited Abadie back in October wrote that she was in violation of section 27602 of the California penal code, or…

    “A person shall not drive a motor vehicle if a television receiver, a video monitor, or a television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal that produces entertainment or business applications, is operating and is located in the motor vehicle at a point forward of the back of the driver’s seat, or is operating and the monitor, screen, or display is visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle.”

    We previously noted that the law has a few loopholes, in that you cannot be cited for a violation for using a “vehicle information display, a mapping display, or a global positioning display.”


    Instead of simply paying the ticket, Abadie hired a local lawyer and decided to fight the charge. Her case has received plenty of coverage, considering there are implications for the future of wearable tech and exactly how laws are going to adapt (or fail to adapt) as it becomes more ubiquitous.

    Apparently, the officer wasn’t even going to give Abadie a ticket for wearing Google Glass while driving (she was pulled over for speeding), but he decided to tack the extra charge on there when she became a bit chippy about her legal rights to use Glass in her vehicle.


    Although some may suggest that this is some sort of huge win for Google Glass, and wearable tech in general – it would be wise to hold off on the hyperbole. Sure, this case sets an interesting precedent (I mean how would you ever determine if a driver was actually operating Google Glass at the precise time you stopped them?), but it doesn’t signal a go-ahead for Glassholes everywhere to strap on a pair and hit the road. The traffic court’s dismissal doesn’t suggest any opinion on whether or not operating a motor vehicle while wearing Google Glass would be legal – only that they couldn’t prove that Abadie was actually using her high-tech eyewear at the time.

    One thing’s for sure – this may be the first but it definitely won’t be the last case of its kind. Lawmakers across the country are taking the early steps to put legislation on the books banning Google Glass in a variety of situations – driving being at the top of the list.

    Image via Cecilia Abadie, Google+

  • New York Lawmaker Pushes for Google Glass Ban for Drivers

    If Brooklyn Assemblyman Félix Ortiz has is way, New York highways will be a Google Glass-free zone.

    The Democrat has introduced legislation to ban the use of Google Glass for those operating a motor vehicle. It would be a expansion upon the state’s current handheld cellphone ban and Ortiz says that it is part of his “crusade for public safety.”

    Back in October of last year, a California woman was ticketed for “driving while Google Glassing” – or more specifically “driving with a monitor visible.” Her story went viral when she posted a copy of the citation to her Google+ profile.

    Ortiz actually mentioned the California woman’s case in a release.

    “The recent case in California where a woman was ticketed for distracted driving because she was wearing ‘Google Glasses’ while driving highlights the need for legislation to expressly prohibit the use of this extremely dangerous technology. I will continue to fight to keep our highways safe as I have done for many years,” said Ortiz.

    Post by Felix W. Ortiz.

    Ortiz is alluding to previous legislation that he sponsored – a 2000 bill that banned the use of all types of handheld cellphones while operating a motor vehicle. When that bill became law, it was the first such outright ban on cellphones in the nation. As you know, many states followed suit.

    “‘Google Glasses’ are becoming more and more popular and their use across the country is becoming widespread, however, no state currently has a strict prohibition on their use while driving,” said Ortiz.

    But that may change – and soon. There are now 7 states that have introduced bills to limit or fully ban Google Glass use while operating a motor vehicle – the latest coming in Wyoming and Missouri.

    Google’s response to the question of “driving while glassing” is a bit vague – simply telling users to respect local laws.

    “As you probably know, most states have passed laws limiting the use of mobile devices while driving any motor vehicle, and most states post those rules on their department of motor vehicles websites. Explorers should read up and follow the law. Above all, even when you’re following the law, don’t hurt yourself or others by failing to pay attention to the road. The same goes for bicycling: whether or not any laws limit your use of Glass, always be careful,” they say in a FAQ section on Glass.

    As of today, Google Glass has yet to receive a wide release and is still in testing mode with Google’s “Glass Explorers” program. By the time Google decides to release the wearable tech to the masses, there may already be a few laws on the books prohibiting its use.

    h/t Gothamist
    Image via lawrencegs, Flickr

  • Augmented Reality Tech Could Have Business Implications, Says Analyst

    Augmented Reality Tech Could Have Business Implications, Says Analyst

    As the wearable computing industry begins to ramp up this year, Google and other companies already have their sights set on connected eyewear. Devices such as Google Glass are expected to make up a large part of the consumer device market in the coming decade, but the technology could also prove very useful to the enterprise sector as well.

    Market research firm Gartner this week suggested that augmented reality (AR) technology could soon become an important tool for businesses. The implication is that businesses could use AR tech to improve internal communication and collaboration while also speeding up workflows and training.

    AR technology could enable businesses to create enhanced spaces, where their physical infrastructure is combined with a layer of the virtual. The applications for AR could be used to supplement employees’ environmental awareness, as well as provide instant access to information for quicker decision-making. In other words, AR could potentially make nearly everything in a business context more efficient.

    “Augmented reality is the real-time use of information in the form of text, graphics, audio and other virtual enhancements integrated with real-world objects,” said Tuong Huy Nguyen, principal research analyst at Gartner. “AR leverages and optimizes the use of other technologies such as mobility, location, 3D content management and imaging and recognition. It is especially useful in the mobile environment because it enhances the user’s senses via digital instruments to allow faster responses or decision-making.”

    Though AR could potentially have office applications, Gartner believes that the most useful applications for AR technology will come for workers who are more often away from desks, or those that need two hands to work. Surgeons and hospitals in general are an obvious target market for AR, and Google Glass has already been used during at least one surgery. Workers who are often without quick access to information, or who are unable to collaborate in person may also benefit heavily from the technology.

  • Google Glass Helper Is Conan O’Brien’s Latest Take On Glass

    Google Glass is positioned to revolutionize the way we live our lives by delivering up to date information directly to our eyes. It’s an incredibly cool piece of technology, and one that people are likely to buy into in a big way. I can’t help but feel, however, that there’s something missing.

    Conan O’Brien shared with us last night a vision of a Google Glass that’s far more personal than Google even imagined – Google Glass Helper. You can think of it as a virtual assistant that offers assistance based upon your surroundings, whether that be in front of your refrigerator or at dinner with your mother.

    OK, maybe Google Glass Helper isn’t the greatest thing since bagel bites. In fact, it’s possibly illegal. That doesn’t make it any less funny though.

    That being said, I do believe the final feature would actually be pretty useful. After all, it’d be a shame to leave this life with regrets.

    While this may be the best parody of Google Glass yet, it’s not Conan’s first stab at making fun of Google’s wearable computer. Back in February, he introduced a concept called Google Ass. Just as it sounds, it’s Google Glass for your butt. Practical? Not at all. Funny? You bet.

    [Image: Team Coco/YouTube]

  • Google Play Music Is Now On Google Glass

    Google Play Music Is Now On Google Glass

    Ever since it was first introduced, Google Glass has been pointed to as the future of wearable computing. While it certainly looks futuristic, the tech couldn’t handle many of the features that we’ve come to expect out of our smart devices. That’s slowly changing, however, as Google is beginning to add more and more features to Glass ahead of its public debut next year.

    Googler Stephen Lau announced that Google Play Music is now officially available for Google Glass. While Google Play Music was made available unofficially before via a sideloaded app, this marks the first time Google’s music app has been officially released for Glass.

    So, what does the future of Google Play Music look like? According to Engadget, it works just like it does on any Android device. The only difference here is that the app can be controlled entirely through your voice so you can sort through songs, albums and artists just by using an “Okay, listen…” command.

    Lau notes that any Glass explorer that sideloaded the Google Play Music app will have to uninstall it before they install the official version from the MyGlass application. If you don’t, the official Google Play Music app will fail to install.

    With the addition of Google Play Music, Google Glass is one step closer to broad availability on the consumer market. Another positive sign from last month saw Google working with optometrists to get prescription lenses for Glass available ahead of its launch on the consumer market next year.

    [Image: Google Glass/YouTube]

  • Google Glass May Come To Optometry Offices

    Google is reportedly in talks to create prescription lenses for Google Glass, and get them in optometry offices.

    The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the company has been talking to VSP Global, a vision benefits provider, about doing so, though the talks are said to just be in the early stages.

    It will certainly be interesting to see where this goes. It will probably help that Google has already partnered with Warby Parker.

    Perhaps getting Google Glass into optometry offices will help fast track those Google contact lenses.

    Earlier this week, Google launched some new developer tools for Glass:


    Image: Google

  • Smart Glasses Market to Hit 10 Million Shipments by 2018

    With Google preparing to launch a consumer version of Google Glass sometime next year and Samsung already working on a competing device, the computing eyewear industry is about to either take off or flop in a big way.

    This week, market research Juniper Research released a report predicting that the smart glasses industry will hit 10 million yearly shipments by the year 2018. This is compared to the paltry 87,000 units that shipped this year.

    The report states that by 2018 the prices for smart glasses will fall to levels acceptable for general tech consumers, increasing adoption rates substantially. However, the report also cautions that the technology will never take hold unless some issues are resolved.

    One is obviously the privacy concerns that come along with devices such as Google Glass. Fears about surreptitious video recording and facial recognition technologies have already been voiced. At least one designer has already created a “privacy cover” for Google Glass’ camera.

    In addition to privacy concerns, the Juniper report believes that the devices will have to do more than display information. True smart technologies such as prediction and autonomous functions will be needed to make the smart glasses truly useful.

    “These devices would need to incorporate intuitive and user-friendly functionalities and capture the imagination of the general public making the technology seamless within their daily routine”

    Juniper believes that the enterprise sector will also drive smart glasses sales once the devices realize their potential. The healthcare industry in particular could find them useful for monitoring and diagnostic purposes.

  • Google Glass Gets Voice Command For Music

    Google Glass Gets Voice Command For Music

    Google announced today that it has added some new functionality to Google Glass that will be appealing to music lovers.

    Over the course of the next few weeks, Google will be rolling out a new voice command that will let users access tracks from Google Play Music. Just say, “Okay Glass, listen to…” and start listening to whatever you want.

    Naturally, this should be a ready-to-go feature once Glass launches more widely to consumers. It does work with Google’s recently launched Spotify competitor All Access.

    We recently got a look at the new version of Glass itself. This includes earbuds. Google had this to say today:

    We’re also introducing stereo earbuds designed specifically for Glass. They’re lightweight and uniquely engineered to deliver crisp, full-range audio while still letting you hear your surroundings. You can also rock out in style by customizing your buds with five interchangeable color caps.

    Current Glass Explorers (the users who have gained access to the device) will be getting notifications via email over the coming weeks with more details on the new stuff.

    Image: Google

  • Expect To Pay A Lot For Google Glass Accessories

    Consumer electronic accessories are typically some of the most overpriced products you will ever buy. Want to protect your new Galaxy S 4? That rubber bumper cover will cost you $50. Want to use a controller with your tablet? That will be another $60. We’ve come to expect this sort of thing with smartphones and tablets, and it looks like we can continue to expect it in the era of wearable computing as well.

    Marketing Land reports that Google is about to open an accessory shop for Google Glass Explorers. As you might expect, all of the items on sale are expensive.

    So, what kind of accessories can Google Glass owners look forward to? Here’s an image of the shop site, courtesy of Marketing Land:

    Expect To Pay A Lot For Google Glass Accessories

    As you can see, Google is mostly selling replacements at this point. The mono earbud, cable and charger, and pouch all come with the new Glass redesign that Google showed off yesterday. You’d better not lose them either as all three cost $50 to replace.

    As for the other accessory, Google calls it the Clear Shield. In short, it’s a visor for Google Glass that protects both your eyes from incoming objects. It could also be a precursor to the prescription lenses that Google promises to sell alongside Glass to consumers. Amazingly, the presumably plastic visor will sell for $75. Google notes that a sunglass shade will be available as well and that every Glass will ship with it.

    So, when can you get your hands on these accessories? Well, you can’t unless you’re a Google Glass Explorer. The store will apparently open in the coming days to those lucky enough to own a pair and will be exclusive to them until Google ships these things out to consumers. If you happen to own a pair, however, you can access the accessory store here when it goes live.

    [Image: Google Glass/Google+]

  • Google Glass-Wearing Driver Ticketed in California

    If you’re driving around in the state of California, you might want to ditch the Google Glass.

    A California woman has been ticketed for wearing Google Glass while operating a motor vehicle, or more specifically “driving with a monitor visible.” Cecilia Abadie took to Google+ to tell the story, and ask her followers for clarification on the laws regarding Google Glass on the road.


    As you can see, the officer cites section 27602 of the penal code when issuing the ticket. This section covers “televisions” in automobiles, and states:

    A person shall not drive a motor vehicle if a television receiver, a video monitor, or a television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal that produces entertainment or business applications, is operating and is located in the motor vehicle at a point forward of the back of the driver’s seat, or is operating and the monitor, screen, or display is visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle.

    The law has some loopholes, in that you cannot be cited for a violation for using a “vehicle information display, a mapping display, or a global positioning display.”

    So yeah, the law is a bit ambiguous. It doesn’t specifically mention Google Glass or any sort of wearable tech. Sure, Google Glass could technically be called a “video screen” – but it could also fall under the GPS or mapping display category as well. As you can see, Abadie wasn’t given a primary citation for driving with Google Glass – it seems to be a secondary violation that resulted from being pulled over for speeding. That raises another complication – if Glass-wearers are to be ticketing while driving, will it be a primary offense? Will it work like seatbelt laws (in most states)?

    The point is that the laws are vague and most states are currently playing catch-up when it comes to products like Google Glass. Some states, West Virginia for example, have already begun to tackle Google Glass specifically. Department of Transport officials in the UK have made no secret of the fact that they are looking to ban the use of Google Glass while driving.

    Anti-glass laws or not, Google is pushing forward in a big way. Check out the newest version of Google Glass, which Google will give Glass Explorers later this year.

    [h/t Glass Almanac]
    Images via Cecilia Abadie, Google+

  • Here’s A Look At The Next Version Of Google Glass

    As you may know, Google announced this week that it is giving Glass Explorers a new version of the Google Glass hardware, which the company will swap out for those it has already sold people. That’s coming later this year.

    “This hardware update will allow your Glass to work with future lines of shades and prescription frames, and we’ll also include a mono earbud,” Google said.

    In a Google+ post last night, Google gave us a glimpse of what the next version of Glass will look like, along with the earbud.


    What do you think?

    Google is letting Explorers invite three friends each into the Explorer program over the next few weeks, opening up Glass to a lot more people.

    Image: Google