By The Editors 5/17 5:36pm

shameless rumormongering

(Photo: Tumblr)

Rumor Roundup: Betabeat Becomes a Bunch of Glassholes, Prince Harry Hails a Hailo and Zuck Celebrates a Bday

Glasshole Missed Connection Betabeat finally had the distinct pleasure of trying the dorky looking face computer we love to mock so much at a party last night at Meetup HQ. We (only slightly drunkenly) approached a tall white dude donning Google Glass and timidly asked if we might be able to try it on. When we slipped on the device (in slate!), the display was incredibly blurry–not due to our eyesight, but because Glass specifically calibrates to the wearer’s eye. It was hard as hell to see, but the voice commands worked almost seamlessly, impressive since we were at a loud party.

The device’s functionality is fairly limited: you can take a picture, record video and get directions to and from places. It also has the added benefit of making you look like a complete dork while somehow also attracting swaths of attractive ladies to get up real close to your face. Read More

By Kelly Faircloth 5/17 11:07am

Planet GOOG

Only models look this good in Glass. (Photo: Google)

Congress Is a Little Worried About the Privacy Implications of Google Glass

The world is rapidly sorting itself into two camps: Glassholes, and people who want you to take that damn thing off your face. The latest concerned parties, according to the Wall Street Journal: the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus.

Imagine that: A bunch of politicians worried about a world where everyone wears a camera on his face, ready to snap a picture of any shenanigans by public figures.

Yesterday the group wrote an open letter to Larry Page, expressing their concerns: Read More

By Jordan Valinsky 5/16 4:12pm

XXX in Tech

Porn star. (Photo: Valleywag/Scoble)

Porn Studios Are Going to Use Google Glass in Exactly the Way You Thought They Would

It looks like porn studios have finally figured out a way to integrate Google Glass into their shoots.

XBIZ, the adult industry news website of record, reports that studios are eager to get their hands on the device to get a grasp of their “full potential.” For example, since the face computers provide a more intimate angle than a traditional camera set-up, studios are thinking about making the actors wear them while they’re in various positions. Read More

By Kelly Faircloth 5/15 5:20pm

Planet GOOG

(Photo: Screencap)

Hello, Computer! At I/O, Google Debuts Upgraded Maps and ‘Now’ for Desktops

Google made no attempt to top last year’s I/O keynote, featuring skydivers. Instead, viewers were treated to a long, rambling meditation on progress from Google CEO Larry Page, who seemed none too keen on talking about Google Glass.

“Technology should do the hard work,” Mr. Page informed us all, “so that people can get on with doing the things that make them happiest in life.” He also suggested that, “being negative is not how we make progress.” Somehow we doubt that outlook inspires Mr. Page to let his underlings off lightly when they screw something up.

The closest thing to a skydiver was when Robert Scoble popped up at the front of the line for Q&A, announcing himself as ”one of the first glassholes.” “Robert, I didn’t appreciate the shower picture,” Mr. Page replied.

But there were a few big announcements. Read More

By Jordan Valinsky 5/15 10:52am

Survey Says

Porn star. (Photo: Valleywag/Scoble)

Just 10 Percent of People Will Buy Google Glass, Many Say It Looks ‘Socially Awkward’

Since Google has invented Glass, an intricately built face computer that’s only purpose is to display Reddit while showering, it now has to entice the public to buy the dopey devices. If a new survey is to be believed, that’ll be an uphill challenge: Just 10 percent of respondents would wear it on the regular–regardless of how much it costs. Read More

By Kelly Faircloth 5/06 3:52pm

Planet GOOG

Hakuna matata, guys! (Photo: flickr.com/jolieodell)

Who’s Worried About Big Brother? Not Eric Schmidt!

We’re entering a new age of ubiquitous surveillance, when you can’t even embark on a wild night out in Brooklyn without worrying about some Glasshole uploading your embarrassing antics to YouTube. It’s enough to make you wonder whether maybe we ought to worry about what governments and corporations will do with the technical ability to Read More

By Kelly Faircloth 5/06 8:27am

Linkages

Bad news, nerds. (screencap)

Booting Up: Saturday Night Live Points Out Google Glass Are Kinda Dorky

Watch Saturday Night Live skewer Google Glass-obsessed tech reporters. [The Verge]

A drone got stuck on a statue on top of a courthouse in Ohio. Welcome to the future! [AP]

“When some future Mars colonist is able to open his browser and watch a cat in a shark suit chasing a duck while riding a roomba, they will have Vint Cerf to thank.” Mmmkay. [Wired]

Betabeat feels obliged to point out that the world’s first 3D-printed gun, the “Liberator,” has the same name as a sex pillow. [Forbes]

The sci fi folk at Tor Books say removing DRM hasn’t put a dent in its ebook sales. [Ars Technica]

By Kelly Faircloth 5/01 12:15pm

Planet GOOG

Testing, one, two, testing. (screencap)

Well, Goddammit: Google Glass Won’t Let You Swear

Who’s afraid of a little ? Google, apparently, and the company’s squeamishness regarding dirty language is likely to render Glass borderline unusable for sailors and those of us who prefer our conversation extra salty.

Geek.com points out that the company’s voice translation technology (like most similar programs) censors curses. How prim!  With smartphones or browsers you can just edit manually, but wearable tech isn’t so simple. Read More