Google is holding a pair of top secret events this week, where a few lucky developers will be introduced to Project Glass and even, gasp, actually tryout a pair. However, before your head gets filled with thoughts of hands-on reports, leaked pictures or previews of Project Glass apps; ReadWrite has been given a look at the non-disclosure agreement developers will need to sign, and it’s tailored to make sure all of those things don’t happen.
To make sure everything stays under Google’s control, a special Project Glass Google account will be set up for each attendee, which is where all the media content taken with the glasses will be stored, and Google will have total access to each one. Publicly sharing information, pictures or video about Project Glass, including discussions with the media are all expressly forbidden. If someone does want to have a chat with the press or share any details, Google has to provide written consent before they do so.
All feedback will be collated and stored under these special accounts, and Google mentions several times that location data will be collected, so it’ll know where its Glasses are at all times. Ultimately, this is what we’d expect for an event dedicated to one of the hottest prototype products we currently know exists, and Google is right to be very wary of juicy details leaking out before it’s ready to reveal them. Developers won’t want to break the rules either, as any breach of the agreement could result in being blacklisted by the company.
Project Glass out in the wild
Moving on to the general terms and conditions, the wording indicates developers at the events will get to try Project Glass out themselves, plus they may even get a pair to take away for testing. If so, they’ll be restricted to using them in the U.S. only, and Google clearly states, “No one other than the attendee can wear or use Glass without Google’s permission.” Good luck enforcing that one Google, if developers do get to take a pair away with them at the end of the event.
Another interesting addition is a warning not to use Glass when playing sports, driving, cycling or, “using sharp objects.” It also warns users to be careful when out and about, particularly when crossing the street. Not only does this emphasize just how distracting a display right in front of our eyes could be – as well as how different it is to anything we’re currently used to – but also that Google really is planning to let some of these prototypes out into the wild.
Google has planned two Glass Foundry, as they’re known, events for the coming weeks The first is set for January 28 and 29 in San Francisco, followed by a second on February 1 and February 2 in New York. Leaks look unlikely, but there’s always a chance we’ll get some official news instead. If not, we may have to be patient until Google I/O in May.
