Google Forbids Advertising On Glass

An anonymous reader writes "Contrary to widespread thought, Google Glass will not be an advertising platform: 'Google Inc has lately told app developers that they are not allowed to present ads to Google Glass users and they are also not permitted to sell users' personal and private information for the fulfillment of advertising needs. The internet company has explicitly and openly said that the Glass platform should and must be clean and clear of any ads whatsoever, because the technology is designed to facilitate internet browsing and other related activities, therefore, the featured podium cannot be used to advertise products as it will cause the user experience to diminish.' Seems like Google is going for hardware-only revenue on this one." You're not supposed to resell the Glass hardware, either.

what's the difference? and who does this benefit?

[F9rDT3ZE]

what is the difference between "presenting ads to Google glass users" and "internet browsing"? Is Glass going to come with built-in ad-blockers for all web pages? Are they going to build special software to prohibit Glass-specific advertising on web pages that are not in any kind of partnership with Glass? This seems to me like a way of controlling the advertising revenue streams for Google more than anything else, since Google's pages are larded with ads and Glass will inherently drive traffic to those pages, both inside and outside of the Glass environment. I wonder if it even raises antitrust implications, as it tremendously biases the products toward Google's advertising & commerce platforms while pushing others out.

That seems daft

[ciderbrew]

If you're walking around you'd want to see what shops have to offer. Often I'll type in a very wide search in to Google maps and see whats about. If you like comedy and some cafe has a comedy place in the back which runs every other second month on a tuesday, which you'd never know about. It would be good to see that information augmented in. Set some very tight preferences so you're not being blasted with everything and you're good to go.

Also, If the gps picks up that you are doing over 8mph it should turn off everything. Does it do that? It you're on a bus or train tough. If you go over 200mph you get a speed ticket. I'm not accepting you're on a plane.

Re:I think I'll wait for something Free

[DragonWriter]

As in libre Free. You can't prevent ads without either an onerous EULA with over-the-top enforcement or some hardcore DRM.

The no ads is a provision of the agreement required to use the API that lets web apps connect to glass, its not enforced by EULA or DRM

Re:Whatever

[BasilBrush]

That is the opposite to Apple's way, so they won't do it. And Microsoft launching new hardware isn't much of a threat to anyone.

Google Glass will fail on it's own (lack of) merits.

This is the company that reads our email, right?

[GodfatherofSoul]

If they're not going to blast these glasses with ads then it's because they've found a better way to exploit you. Probably selling your movements, then letting local merchants spam you.

Prevent a Siri

[tuppe666]

http://www.inquisitr.com/256025/steve-wozniak-says-apple-ruined-siri-technology-after-acquisition/ [inquisitr.com] Here is Steve Wozniak showing how siri was destroyed by Apple advertising “What are the five largest lakes in California?” and “What are the prime numbers greater than 87?” (91). To which Wozniak replied, “It’s incredible. It’s like it understands ‘greater than.’”

Wozniak also notes that his former question about California Lakes now brings up lakefront properties while his question about prime numbers now displays information about prime ribs

Re:Whatever

[afxgrin]

My point is that if it is successful as a product competitors will attempt to recreate a similar experience and may not see any issue with having ads. If ads become 'workable' into the product it will likely be used to subsidize the cost of the competing product hence making a lower priced product with similar or the same functionality. For Google to stay competitive in the long road they would likely need to implement ads. Turning on intrusive ads now would be awful if they want consumer adoption of the product.

Re:I think I'll wait for something Free

[Joce640k]

The no ads is a provision of the agreement required to use the API that lets web apps connect to glass, its not enforced by EULA or DRM

Is there also a provision that Google may change the EULA at any time, without prior notice? eg. When sales have taken off and enough people have been suckered in by the promise of no ads.

Re:Just means they will make their money another w

[Anonymous Coward]

It's not about active ads. I'm sure they'll get revenue for passive advertising. You're wearing glass, you search for a restaurant, you get a list of local restaurants with directions... I can see pretty easy ways to embed ads into that whole process, and display USEFUL ads.

Most folks don't have problems with advertising that helps them find what they're looking for.