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Eric Schmidt admits talking to Google Glass can be weird

Google's executive chairman also says people will need to develop new etiquette for the product.

Shara Tibken Former managing editor
Shara Tibken was a managing editor at CNET News, overseeing a team covering tech policy, EU tech, mobile and the digital divide. She previously covered mobile as a senior reporter at CNET and also wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. Shara is a native Midwesterner who still prefers "pop" over "soda."
Shara Tibken
2 min read
Google co-founder Sergey Brin wearing Google Glass. James Martin/CNET

At least one Google executive acknowledges that using the company's interactive eyewear can be kind of odd.

Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt, who spoke Thursday at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, said that talking to Google Glass is the "weirdest thing," according to a report from Reuters.

He noted that people will need to develop new etiquette for the product, which can record video and relay information that only the wearer can see.

"There are obviously places where Google Glasses are inappropriate," he said, according to Reuters.

Schmidt also said apps offered to Glass users will need to get Google's approval beforehand. By contrast, anyone can create and distribute apps for Android smartphones and tablets.

"It's so new, we decided to be more cautious," Schmidt said, according to Reuters. "It's always easier to open it up more in the future."

Google unveiled the augmented reality product earlier this year and recently began distributing $1,500 prototypes to people in Google's Glass Explorer program. The device comes in the form of eyeglasses that can record videos, take photos, chat, get directions, search the Web, and more. Google Glass is expected to arrive on the market for the general public in 2014.

The New York Times has already released an app for Google Glass, the first installable third-party app made available to Glass owners. Features include breaking-news alerts and hourly news updates, and users can navigate stories and photos by tilting up their heads. They can also tap to have the app read article summaries to them.

Your world through Google Glass (pictures)

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