Google Glass just keeps throwing up one surprise after another, and this one, it would seem is definitely a mixed bag.
Google Glass has been creating quite a wave lately, but many have expressed apprehension over the need to speak out commands in order to get Glass to do something. In particular is the command for taking photos, which users feel to be cumbersome.
There may be good news though. A Redditor has been scouring through the code for the MyGlass app and has found a reference to firing off the camera in Glass using just a wink. A screenshot of the code is displayed in the image below detailing EYE_GESTURES, of which one specifies “WINK_TAKE_PHOTO”, suggesting that users could take a photo with a simple wink. That is far less conspicuous than saying, “Glass, take a picture.” The code suggests that the feature is optional, and can be enabled/disabled by the user.
There is signs of the ability to calibrate Glass for specific wink durations, something that should prevent the camera from firing off every time you blink. However, this in itself poses a problem of the privacy kind. Imagine walking around the street without knowing who’s photographing you and for what purpose. Keeping this in mind, many bars across the world are already starting to ban the device from being brought onto premises, and all for good reason. Eric Schmidt, on the other hand, believes that the device will usher in an evolution in social etiquette. We can’t help but feel a little creeped out.