Coming Soon: Prescription Lenses For Google Glass

When I first tried on an early Google Glass headset, I had to take off my glasses -- that made the Glass display usable, but made the rest of the room a blurry mess. When I asked the engineers and designers about this, I got mostly shrugs in return. But now, writes reader rjmarvin, "Google Glass users sporting the eyewear will soon be able to do so with a prescription for $99. Eyeglass manufacturer Rochester Optical will offer prescription options in differents colors and styles, even allowing Glass users to trick out their eyewear with transitions or tinted lenses. They're currently conducting a survey to gauge consumer interest and preference." I look forward to the day that online glasses sources like Zenni Optical have have even cheaper options for wearable computing integration, but Rochester's projected starting price is lower than I would have guessed.

Comments

Only when you can't tell that glasses have it

[QilessQi]

As long as Google Glass looks like Locutus-of-Borg cosplay, there will be pushback from people who don't want to be seen with it.

The display needs to be embedded transparently in the lenses itself, and the other components need to be integrated into a thin, ordinary-looking temple piece.

Re:Only when you can't tell that glasses have it

[QilessQi]

The problem you're describing could be mitigated somewhat if the glasses had forward-facing LEDs which turn on whenever the camera is engaged. Then you could be reasonably sure that most people are not, in fact, videoing you all the time. For the small percent who want to do this anyway, sure they could paint over the LEDs, but then they could just wear a buttonhole camera anyway. You're not going to stop surreptitious recording now that the technology is small enough.

Here's one other way it can go down, though:

The next generation of teenagers becomes the first wide adopters of the technology. You can guess the marketing strategies: have pop idols be seen with them, have the next generation's Hannah Montana wearing them. They're fun, kids! Record good times with your friends! Record that important history class for a friend who's sick! Record a POV of your mad skateboarding skills and upload instantly to {hot social media platform du jour}.

In short, produce a generation that is used to filming and being filmed 24/7/365. The same way we've produced a generation that's used to being online all the time. It's possible, right? Especially if the parents are resisting it, the kids'll be wild for it.

uh oh, a Google glass story

[Ultra64]

Cue the neanderthal luddites threatening to beat people up.

Re:Oh noez, it's teh Google

[Anonymous Coward]

Are you a time-traveler from the past? Have you not been around for, oh, 10-15 years? Because I have news for you buddy, there's an internet-connected camera in every Tom, Dick, and Harry's pocket, and if they want to film you, they're going to film you. There's nothing that Glass does that people haven't been able to do for years now. Sorry for the rude awakening.

Re:Oh noez, it's teh Google

[checkitout]

So if I walk up to you and point my cell phone camera in your face - No problem? I think you'd get annoyed rather quickly.

Also, let's be honest, the security camera argument is a false argument, since we all know how crappy the footage from security cameras are and that there are more controls over the purpose and use of that footage.

With Glass you may become part of some weirdo's "art project" or have your image stored with Google in perpetuity for them to eventually add to their facial recognition database and who knows what else.

Re:Oh noez, it's teh Google

[Anonymous Coward]

Different AC here.

So if I walk up to you and point my cell phone camera in your face - No problem? I think you'd get annoyed rather quickly.

Indeed I would. However, I don't assume that everyone who has their cell phone out is recording me. And that's the critical difference here; everyone is acting as though anyone wearing a Glass must ipso facto be uploading everything they see to YouTube constantly, despite the fact that the Glass clearly indicates when it is recording.

That's the proof that the Glass hate is largely class-based. Deep down, most of you don't really care about the recording. That's just an excuse to hate someone who's reminding you that they have more money than you do. You actually WANT them to be the evil creepy spies you're imagining, so that you can justify your prejudice.

And no, I don't have a Glass myself, nor could I afford it if it were offered, nor would I buy one even if I could.

Re:Oh noez, it's teh Google

[hodet]

Class-based? Seriously? Everybody just pining for Glass and we hate anyone who has it because we don't? I will have you know that I can afford a rainbow of Glass colored frames and I still do not care for this technology and prefer to not be around people wearing it. Not everybody records you without your knowledge, but sooner or later there is going to be one douche who just can't help themselves. They would never stick a phone or a camcorder in your face but will happily record away with their glasses.

Re:Oh noez, it's teh Google

[JDG1980]

Would you be okay if I followed you around a store with my camcorder on? Don't mind me, just filming you. (licks lips).

In that case the creepy part is "followed you", not "camcorder". It would be equally objectionable to follow around one specific, unwilling person even if you didn't take any recordings or photos.