As Google Glass is capable of capturing video at 720p and syncing recording content from its 16 GB of storage space into Google Cloud, the National Association of Theater Owners and the Motion Picture Association of America put into writing the fact that it doesn't trust the smart glasses in movie theaters. The group has banned the wearable tech from cinemas.
The rules were updated during the an industry convention in Hollywood, Fla. The new guidelines were detailed in a joint statement drafted by the MPAA and the movie industry's theater owners.
"As part of our continued efforts to ensure movies are not recorded in theaters, however, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward using any recording device while movies are being shown," states the updated rule. "As has been our long-standing policy, all phones must be silenced and other recording devices, including wearable devices, must be turned off and put away at show time."
The new guidelines also state that cases in which piracy is suspected will be directed to the hands of local law enforcement agencies.
"Individuals who fail or refuse to put the recording devices away may be asked to leave. If theater managers have indications that illegal recording activity is taking place, they will alert law enforcement authorities when appropriate, who will determine what further action should be taken," the rule states.
With the ability to capture HD video and a wealth of software capable of stabilizing captured video, the use of smart glasses in theaters could fleece an ailing industry. Back in June, the U.K.'s movie theater industry made plain it wouldn't allow smart glasses at cinemas in the region.
"As a courtesy to your fellow audience members, and to prevent film theft, we ask that customers do not enter any cinema auditorium using any 'wearable technology' capable of recording images," the Cinema Exhibitors' Association said in a statement. "Any customer found wearing such technology will be asked to remove it and may be asked to leave the cinema."
And as the public takes its time in warming up to "glass explorers," Google has reminded early adopters of its smart glass to make an effort to not "be creepy" in using the tech.
"In places where cell phone cameras aren't allowed, the same rules will apply to Glass," stated Google. "If you're asked to turn your phone off, turn Glass off as well. Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers."
