Don't be a glasshole, pleads Google

The new google Glasses are being road tested by thousands of people. Photo / AP

If you're a Google Glass early adopter then smile politely when you receive a quizzical look.

The technology giant has issued an etiquette guide to users of its new wearable computer to prevent them from acting like "glassholes".

Last year Google began shipping 8000 early versions of the wearable computer to "Glass Explorers", at US$1500 each.

Google will roll out its augmented reality glasses to the public this year. But the company doesn't want the thousands of beta-testers to scare the public.

A list of dos and don'ts from Google tells participants how to cope with public interactions. It states: "Don't be creepy or rude (aka, a glasshole). Respect others and if they have questions about Glass don't get snappy. Be polite and explain what Glass does and remember, a quick demo can go a long way."

If a user is asked to turn mobiles off then Glass users should shut down their specs too. Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers, the guidance states.

"Let's face it, you're gonna get some questions," Google acknowledges. "Be patient and explain that Glass has a lot of the same features as a mobile phone (camera, maps, email, etc). Also, develop your own etiquette.

"If you're worried about someone interrupting that romantic dinner at a nice restaurant with a question about Glass, just take it off and put it around the back of your neck or in your bag.

"Explorers may already have concluded that wearing Glass while participating in high-impact sports like cage fighting is not recommended. They should also not Glass out by wearing the sets continuously. They are advised to use them for short bursts so you can get back to doing the other things you love.

"Explorers should have fun, though. Do explore the world around you, get walking directions to a fantastic new restaurant, or get an update on that delayed flight."