Recently there’s been a lot of debate as to whether or not Google Glass should be banned in cinemas. As a gadget that has the ability to record video, the smart eyewear device is seen as a potential copyright threat by some. While it’s quite right that the gadget could pose a risk of copyright infringement, is a ban really necessary?
Just Like Any Other Gadget
Google Glass can record videos, but so can most other small gadgets people take into the cinema such as mobile phones and tablets. Cinemas do not ban mobile phones, so why should they ban Google Glass?
Google even suggested that cinemas “simply ask wearers to turn it off before the film starts”, adding: “The fact that Glass is worn above the eyes and the screen lights up whenever it’s activated makes it a fairly lousy device for recording things secretly.”
Question The Quality
Google Glass is a device that sits on someone’s face. This means that when they’re slouching back in their chair or even moving their head just slightly it will affect the stability of the recording. Plus, at eye level there are bound to be at least a couple of heads bopping up and down throughout the recording.
Also, with 720p video recording, an iPhone could do a better job. When people watch knock-off DVDs or stream movies online, they at least want half-decent experience. Also, Google Glass recording time can only last 45 minutes and by the time a user starts another recording they would have missed at least a few seconds of the film.
With all these obstacles, I can’t really see anyone thinking it’s worth the trouble. If someone was going to record a film they’d have less hassle using alternative methods. Google Glass just isn’t fit for the job.
Google Glass and the technology it comes with seems to scare some people. In reality, these scaredy cats would be better off researching the device and maybe even trying it out. Sure, you wear it on your face, but its capabilities are not dissimilar to that of a smartphone.
Do you think Google Glass should be banned in cinemas? Tell us in the comments.
