Google has told developers working on its upcoming augmented reality glasses that they will not be allowed to place ads within the device’s display.
The Internet giant has published a set of terms and conditions for developers working on Glass
The terms also prohibit companies charging for apps or using virtual currency.
Developers are also forbidden from collecting user data from an Mirror API client and selling or transmitting that via third-party ad-networks and data brokers.
Unlike Android, there will be no unofficial stores for Glass apps. Glassware can only be distributed through Google’s as yet unnamed Google-hosted Mirror API Client distribution channel. Google does reserve the right to make an exception at some point, however.
The news comes as Google revealed the specifications for Glass, alongside an Android app, called MyGlass, to configure and manage the device.
Using the MyGlass smartphone app with Google Glass enables GPS and text messaging, and the device will be compatible with any Bluetooth-capable phone.
Google is shipping developer prototypes following its Twitter competiton, with Google Glass being delivered to ‘Explorer program members’.
The device features a 720p high resolution display, 5Mp camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio via a ‘bone conduction transducer’ to eliminate the need for earbuds.
Google says that Google Glass will typically provide a day of battery life and comes with 12GB of usable storage.
Google has warned that the device might be difficult to use in certain situations. For example, voice commands might not work in noisy environments and the screen will be harder to see in bright sunlight.
Google has also warned that some users may find themselves getting eye strain or headaches from Google Glass.
Google has said that the units are not indestructible. “Glass is robust, stable and built to ?t into your life. But you might break it if you don’t handle it with care.” said the firm.
Google Glass is expected to be available to consumers by the end of the year.
Read the Google Glass developer terms and conditions here
