The Verge - Google Glass: science fiction you can wear

Congress asks Google CEO if Glass infringes 'on the privacy of the average American'

2013-05-16T21:35:57Z

For all that's been said about the tremendous innovations of Google Glass, privacy concerns have only grown louder since the project's introduction last year. As Google's Explorer Edition continues its staggered rollout, Congress is finally seeking answers. The Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus today wrote a letter to CEO Larry Page asking the CEO to clear up once and for all "whether this new technology could infringe on the privacy of the average American."

Google's new Hangouts app will come to Glass

2013-05-16T00:35:29Z

Hangouts, the new Google messaging service that unifies the company's disparate offerings in the space, will eventually be available on Glass. Vic Gundotra, Google’s senior vice president of engineering, told ABC News' Joanna Stern that Hangouts would be able to provide Glass with more social functionality.

Using Google Glass: at a Justin Timberlake concert

2013-05-09T16:30:03Z

Google's Glass Explorer Edition is finally shipping, and Verge staffers worldwide have been waiting to try out the new headset. So we're sending our editors out to live life with Glass, to explore the brave new world we're lurching into whether we like it or not.

"Those are some unique glasses." "Are you wearing Glass?" "He's got Google Glass on!" My appearance can be ostentatious at times, but wearing Google Glass in public drew a truly unparalleled amount of attention — never have I seen so many strangers (and people I know) give me this look of, "uh, what's on your face?"

I wore Google Glass to Justin Timberlake's show at Roseland Ballroom this past Sunday for two reasons: to get a good understanding of what it’s like...

Google Glass software update adds Google+ notifications, limits background uploads

2013-05-08T02:31:50Z

If you're lucky enough to be an early Google Glass owner, you might want to glance at device settings to see what software your headset is running. According to reports, Google is tonight pushing out a new update, XE5, that contains a number of bug fixes, optimizations, and other changes. First, Google is implementing a new rule on where and when Glass can upload data in the background. From now on, apps will only be able to do so while Glass is connected to both a power source and a local Wi-Fi network. Google doesn't outline exactly why it's suddenly adopting a strict stance on this.

Additionally, Glass now displays incoming Google+ notifications for Hangouts, mentions, comments, and shares. You can even +1 and comment on posts...

Caesars Palace confirms ban on Google Glass-wearing gamblers

2013-05-08T01:20:54Z

World famous Las Vegas casino Caesars Palace has confirmed that patrons won't be allowed to wear Google Glass when gambling. Previous statements had indicated that the heads-up display would be permitted on the casino floor as long as it wasn't being used to film. However, in a statement to The Verge, a Caesars Palace representative said that there would indeed be a Glass ban for gamblers in accordance with Nevada state laws.

Using Google Glass: stuck in traffic

2013-05-06T20:31:28Z

I was late.

Ten minutes after I was supposed to be at Google HQ, learning how to wear the company's hotly anticipated Glass headset, I found myself stuck in stop-and-go traffic not a mile from the Mountain View campus. Worried that I might miss my only chance to try the tech, I frantically looked through my phone for a number I could call to push back my 9AM appointment, or a way to get around the cars blocking my path. I don't use my phone while actually driving, and...

Google Glass' awkward interactions parodied on 'Saturday Night Live'

2013-05-05T15:00:31Z

Google Glass and its new approach to a constantly-connected lifestyle has already been the butt of a number of jokes, including Tumblr blogs devoted to showing how ridiculous the device can be. On Saturday's new episode of Saturday Night Live, the writers of Weekend Update also got into the fray, with fictional tech blogger Randall Meeks and his new Google Glass joining the news desk to speak to Seth Meyers. SNL's portrayal of Google Glass' awkward head gestures and sometimes unresponsive voice commands is funny to watch, and frankly, not that far off from what it's actually like to use Glass. You can check out the clip below and get an idea of what others might think when they see people using Google Glass out in public.

Note: Because...

Google Glass may soon support directions and text messages on iOS

2013-05-03T14:25:29Z

Google's Glass headset seems futuristic, but it still relies on interfacing with a traditional smartphone. While it's possible to do basic pairing with any Bluetooth-enabled phone, only Android users can get support for navigation and SMS — the former being one of the most interesting and immediately useful features. That, however, may be changing soon. An unnamed Google employee has told TechCrunch that Glass users will soon be able to get these features regardless of platform. Right now, Android users must download the MyGlass companion app to set up Glass directions or texting support, but TechCrunch also suggests that these features may soon work independent of any app.

iPhone support on Glass seems likely to happen at some point,...