Skip to main content

7 out of 10 Americans will avoid Google Glass over privacy concerns

Noted by AdWeek on Monday, a new study conducted by market research and data collection firm Toluna indicates that a majority of Americans aren’t interested in purchasing Google Glass due to concerns about personal privacy. Specifically, 72 percent of Americans will avoid wearing Google Glass in public. Privacy concerns included the fear that private data could become public either through an accident or hackers breaking into the Google Glass software as well as the the fear of someone using Google Glass to remotely record user actions without express consent. 

Speaking about the results of the study, Toluna managing director Mark Simon said “Google Glass is not yet available on the open market, although it is clear that a high proportion of individuals have concerns about the potential impact on their privacy. This is something Google and other tech companies using the technology should address before the product can become mainstream.” 

google_glass_frames_split
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Google can easily remedy the privacy stigma of Google Glass by launching an educational campaign when the product is ready to launch, likely on YouTube as well as national commercials. The company could also create educational documentation to distribute at LensCrafters and Sunglass Hut locations as part of the recent partnership with Luxottica. However, Google did release a list of ‘Google Glass Myths‘ last month to debunk popular misconceptions about the device.

Recommended Videos

Beyond personal privacy concerns, respondents were also worried that Google Glass could be a safety hazard. The potential for distraction was a big concern, namely the possibility that reading text on Google Glass could be difficult when navigating the surrounding environment such as walking or driving. In addition, approximately 33 percent of the survey respondents were worried about the expensive device being stolen by a mugger. The devices are fairly expensive at the moment, approximately $1,500 if you are accepted into the Explorer program. 

Mike Flacy
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE could be in for a major selfie makeover
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE sitting upright with its display turned on.

Samsung has had a busy year of phone launches so far, not only announcing the Galaxy S25 series at the beginning of the year, followed by the Galaxy A56 in March, but it also very recently released the super slim Galaxy S25 Edge.

We aren't even half way through the year and there are already seven new Samsung Galaxy phones to choose from, but if you thought that was it for 2025, think again. 

Read more
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Battle of the titans
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is coming out at the end of the month as one of the first slim phones in the world, and we're excited to see how people will react to holding a phone that's nearly as thin as a piece of paper. However, it's competing against its thick Apple rival, the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

As we settle into the middle of 2025, it's survival of the fittest -- or should we say, "thinnest"? -- and the two phones are competing over who weighs less and how much can deliver more to their users regardless of their size. Here's what we have to say.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: specs

Read more
Word of notch-less and bezel-less iPhone in 2027 is refusing to die down
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen.

In just two years, the world-dominating smartphone will celebrate its 20th anniversary -- and it looks like Apple has big plans for it. Reports from Bloomberg and The Information suggest the company is aiming for a curved and completely bezel-less display with no notches or cutouts for cameras or sensors.

We've already seen plenty of "curved" and "edge-to-edge" displays from manufacturers like Samsung, but current approaches only curve along the left and right edges of the device. Apple, on the other hand, reportedly wants to go all-in with a glass display that curves around all the edges and corners of the phone.

Read more