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Google Glass: Motorist Cleared In Landmark Case
[January 16, 2014]

Google Glass: Motorist Cleared In Landmark Case


(Sky News (UK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Software developer Cecilia Abadie was pulled over for speeding in October last year, and the officer cited her for using a visible "monitor" - a charge usually issued to people driving while watching a television.



It is the first known alleged traffic violation for wearing Google's computer eyeglasses while driving.

The verdict following a trial in a San Diego traffic court could help shape future laws on wearable technology as it goes mainstream.


Her lawyer William Concidine had argued that the device was not activated when she was driving.

Court commissioner John Blair said: "There is no testimony it (Google Glass) was operating or in use while Ms Abadie was driving." He also dismissed the speeding ticket.

After the ruling, Ms Abadie said Google Glass does not give drivers any "blind spot." "I believe we have to start experimenting with devices like this. As a hands-free device it is safer than a cell phone." He said on a previous occasion: "Our primary argument is that Ms Abadie was not driving while the Google Glass was actually operational.

"There is nothing illegal about simply wearing the Google Glass while it is not turned on." The device features a thumbnail-size transparent display above the right eye.

The image is not visible to anyone but the wearer, making it difficult to determine whether a device is on or not.

It lets wearers take pictures, record video, send messages or perform other tasks with touch controls or by speaking commands.

It connects to the internet using wi-fi hotspots or wirelessly through mobile phones.

The technology is not yet widely available to the public, but Ms Abadie, 44, was one of about 10,000 "explorers" who received the Google Glass earlier this year as part of a tryout.

Google has not announced a public release date for the device, but speculation centres around early 2014.

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(c) Sky News 2014

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