Google to Glass Users: Avoid Being 'Creepy'

After a number of unpleasant incidents, Google has some helpful advice for users of Glass: "Don't be a Glasshole." That's just one of many tips offered in a new list of dos and don'ts for users, compiled from feedback from those who've actually tried the product, NBC News reports. A fair chunk of the guidelines is devoted to social etiquette. In addition to not being a Glasshole (defined in the document as acting "creepy or rude"), Google suggests you "ask for permission" before, say, recording people: "Standing alone in the corner of a room staring at people while recording them through Glass is not going to win you any friends."

You might also want to consider your own appearance: "If you find yourself staring off into the prism for long periods of time, you're probably looking pretty weird to the people around you." The tips aren't just social, however. Google also urges people to use Glass safely. "Water skiing, bull riding, or cage fighting with Glass are probably not good ideas," the document points out. At CNET, Chris Matyszczyk notes that Google may be trying to protect its product's future: "Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers," the guidelines say. (One former fan calls Google Glass a literal headache.)