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

By Mike Flacy April 9, 2014

google glass

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.”

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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.

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.

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Google Glass sells out within a day (Updated with quote from Google)

glass sells out in tuesday sale google closeup

That's it then, Google's one-day Glass sale to Joe Blow is done and dusted. Snag a set?
The company said at around nine last night that all units had been snapped up, though as it's declining to say how many were ordered, it's impossible to gauge the popularity of the sale – its first to the masses.
"All spots in the Explorer Program have been claimed for now, but if you missed it this time, don’t worry. We’ll be trying new ways to expand the Explorer program in the future," the Web giant said in a Google+ post Tuesday night.
Updated on 4-16-2014 at 1:44 p.m. PT by Jeffrey Van Camp: A Google spokesperson has sent us the following message, clarifying the sellout: "We were getting through our stock faster than we expected, so we decided to shut the store down. While you can still access the site, Glass will be marked as sold out. We are leaving the site open so Explorers can still get any accessories they need."
Earlier in the day, at around lunchtime, those jumping on the Web to order a pair of the $1,500 high-tech specs were informed the Cotton (white) frames had already sold out, leaving potential buyers to choose from black, red, blue, and gray alternatives.
Up till Tuesday, the only way people could get their hands on Glass was by applying as a developer or winning a contest. The one-day sale, open to US-based adults only, was the first time Google had offered its face-based tech on such a wide scale. Given that the gadget has received a mixed press over the last year, with stories of privacy concerns and assaults on wearers hitting the headlines, the sale will have been a good opportunity to test demand for its groundbreaking piece of kit.
Up until Tuesday, Google's army of Explorer testers was thought to number around the 10,000 mark. The company has been making steady progress with Glass over the last year or so – rolling out regular software updates refining existing features or introducing new ones – though a date for a full-scale commercial launch is yet to be announced.
In the meantime, the Mountain View company says that anyone still interested in becoming a part of the Explorer program can sign up here, whereupon it'll let you know if a spot becomes available. However, as with its one-day sale, the program is currently open only to those living in the US.

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Google sets record straight on Glass with ‘top 10 myths’ blog post

google-glass-while-blogging

Eager to prevent negative publicity surrounding its Glass gadget snowballing out of control and damaging the perception of the device for good, Google has taken to its Google+ page with a post aimed at dispelling the "top 10 myths" surrounding its yet-to-launch face-based device.
"Myths can be fun, but they can also be confusing or unsettling," the Web giant says in the post. "If spoken enough, they can morph into something that resembles fact."
It says that in its Glass's short life, "Glass has seen some myths develop around it. While we’re flattered by the attention, we thought it might make sense to tackle them, just to clear the air."
It hits back at the suggestion that "Glass is the ultimate distraction from the real world," arguing that while a smartphone takes your eyes away from what's happening around you, Glass actually "allows you to look up and engage with the world."
It says that contrary to popular belief, Glass is not always on and recording everything, explaining that "just like your cell phone, the Glass screen is off by default," and that 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)," the Mountain View company says.
It attacks the notion that "Glass Explorers are technology-worshipping geeks," saying that its team of beta testers "come from all walks of life.....the one thing they have in common is that they see the potential for people to use technology in a way that helps them engage more with the world around them, rather than distract them from it."
Not ready yet
Number four on the list notes that Glass isn't ready for prime time just yet, though there's no hint as to when it might get a commercial release. Hopefully the company will have some news on that front at its I/O bash in June.
With privacy a common concern among many critical of Glass, Google is keen to put to bed the idea that "Glass does facial recognition (and other dodgy things)."
The company explains, "As we’ve said before, regardless of technological feasibility, we made the decision based on feedback not to release or even distribute facial recognition Glassware unless we could properly address the many issues raised by that kind of feature."
Continuing with the subject of privacy, Google knocks down the idea that Glass is "the perfect surveillance device," claiming that "if someone wants to secretly record you, there are much, much better cameras out there than one you wear conspicuously on your face and that lights up every time you give a voice command, or press a button."
Myth 9 is "Glass is banned.....EVERYWHERE." Google says "folks have been pretty good at creating etiquette" with cell phones and that the same rules apply to Glass.
While Google's myth-busting post may help some observers to better understand what Glass is all about, it's clear the jury is still out on its high-tech specs. What do you make of its attempt to debunk the myths?

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Glass: Google now inviting Explorers to swap out for new version

google glass public release date still mystery maybe year oct 2013

Google hasn't even properly launched its high-tech Glass device and already its rolling out an upgraded version. With the company on Wednesday sending out emails encouraging its growing army of Explorer testers to swap out their current Glass for an updated version, we surely cannot be too far away from a commercial launch.
While each Explorer had to pay a wallet-wilting $1,500 to get their hands on the original version of Google's face-based computer, the Mountain View company is offering the upgrade for the princely sum of nothing.
If you're an Explorer that happens to have formed a bond with your Glass device so strong that handing it back could leave you dewy eyed, or worse, susceptible to sudden outpourings of grief in front of friends and family, then fear not – you don't have to send it back. But be aware that if you don't you're likely to miss out on future Glass enhancements, as Google is working on developing software and accessories only with the latest model from here on out.
The company says that while the new version of its wearable tech looks and feels the same as the original one, users should find it faster and more durable. It's also compatible with the promised prescription frames, and comes with shades and a mono earbud.
Any Explorer who bought Glass before October 28 this year can swap their current device for the upgraded version, with Google running the offer until February 5, 2014. A renewed one-year warranty is also part of the deal.
Continuing with its work to get the gadget ready for a commercial release next year, the Web giant this week added more functionality to Glass in the form of some new music-based features. Stereo earbuds have also been added to the Glass accessory store, though at $85, they don't come cheap.