There are many critics out there that have concerns about privacy issues with Google Glass.
Google Glass is a wearable computer that appears as a pair of glasses to where its only single lens is a small prism display that projects images to the wearer’s right eye. The device has very similar functionality as smartphones, allowing people to record audio and video, take photos, check emails, and watch movies. In contrast to smartphones, the Google Glass device is easily accessible because it conveniently sits on your face like a normal pair of glasses. If you wanted to watch a quick video clip, you no longer have to sluggishly dig for your phone in your pocket.
Google Glass can record events on a much low-key level than smartphones do. A verbal command or the press of a button at the top of the device starts the recording option for wearers at a whim. If you want to take photos wearing the device, all you have to do is wink! Google Glass can also be outfitted for prescription lenses.
Just as critics piled up to condemn the privacy issues they had with the device, as recent as July, Google announced a new feature for the the Google Glass: live broadcast.
In late July, Google Inc. offered the Livestream video-sharing app in its MyGlass store officially. The software allows Glass wearers to share what they are seeing and hearing with other Livestream account holders free of charge by only using the easy command of, “Ok Glass, start broadcasting.” Users who want to appeal to a broader audience outside of Livestream viewers can pay up to $399 a month to stream their video to the world wide web.
The Livestream app along with the music recognition service Shazam, were two of roughly a dozen apps that Google unveiled before they kicked off their annual developers conference in San Francisco, Ca. The conference was where Google officially rolled out Glass to the public.
The Brooklyn, N.Y. software creator giant Livestream LLC, projected that doctors could use the app as a teaching tool during surgery. This a recently proven to be true. According to The New York Post, a Chinese surgeon used Google Glass to broadcast orthopedic surgery live while the procedure was watched by foreign colleagues in Europe and Asia on tablets and mobile phones.
Livestream LLC also foresees that the app will be used by spectators who would broadcast their experiences at concerts. Now anyone can have access to Yeezus’s latest rant episode broadcast live to the comfort of their own home.
Nevertheless, since the camera-outfitted Google Glass allows wearers to photograph and film other people on the low, it has privacy advocates raising their eyebrows in sincere discontent.
Livestream Chief Executive Max Haot stated, “Obviously, there are privacy concerns with Google Glass, but if you think of it more as a professional tool, we think it has a great future.”
Livestream’s terms are very clear: no obscene or pornographic material and no video that is unlawful. The company approaches illegal footage shared with a couple of friends, shot on a conventional camera, the same as footage shot with Google Glass using the Livestream app illegally broadcasting to thousands; they are prepared to recognize and take down any illegal broadcast.
Google themselves ban sexually explicit and illegal material on the device. Facial-recognition technology is forbidden as well.
According to Mr. Haot, the Livestream app was ran through a rigorous approval process that involved Google quality assuring Livestream’s code and cross-checking its privacy policy. “Their review process is much more stringent than the Play Store” for smartphones,” he stated.
Google has kept a close eye on video-capable apps as their users face ridicule from restaurants, bars, and other establishments who are uncomfortable with customers wearing a camera that can film other patrons.
As far as concerts, amateur video footage may be available at a longer length and better quality now that Google Glass will be widely used. The smaller highlight clips who’s lengths were due to a spectators arm getting tired from holding a smartphone or conventional camera device, will be a thing of the past in due time.
Specially selected testers and develops were apart of a two year process where Google slowly rolled out its Glass hardware before they offered it to the public earlier this year. A steep $1,500 starting price will keep the device out of the hands of many consumers. But on the other hand, the latest smartphone always finds its way from the shelves to the consumers.
The world is ready for the Google Glass broadcasts. Ready, set, Action!
Check out Three Six Mafia, Academy Award winning rapper/producer DJ Paul in the Google Glass:
Check out world renowned singer and actress Brandy in the Google Glass:
