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34 QRCA VIEWS WINTER 2 014 www.qrca.org wear the Glass on my head like a head- band when it's not in use; it's rare for passers-by to pause or point it out if it's on my head instead of on my face. Admittedly, it can be more conspicuous for those with shorter haircuts, as well as for those who buy Glass in more colorful varieties like "Sky" or "Tangerine." Neutral shades of Glass like "Shale" and "Charcoal" blend in more closely with dark attire. Face Computer Did you know that most of the apps on Google Glass currently work on a smart- phone? The main difference is that Glass users wear the computing technology on their faces, and it's (at least, partially) hands-free. The experience of using Glass right out of the box does not always meet users' expectations though. There is no manual. The most interesting apps, e.g., barcode scanning, eye-tracking, dimming the translucent display, etc., are usually unof- ficial apps that need to be sideloaded into Glass; this process can take some patience and minimal-to-moderate programming skills. Even so, Glass does a few basic tasks so naturally, it's a wonder we have lived without wearables for so long. Glass in Qualitative Research Due to its relatively hands-free use, it's not a coincidence that Google Glass is used more frequently for traditional in- person qualitative research. Clients are eager to try Glass for their projects, and this can be the perfect opportunity to discuss its capabilities as well as the ben- efits of other available wearable options. Glass can be a practical tool for in situ interviews. Instead of taking precious time to teach participants how to use Glass, it can be easier for the moderator to wear the Glass and control its features. Google Glass, Wearables, and You C O N T I N U E D Google Glass All Glass users download the MyGlass app that allows you to config- ure and manage a Glass device through your smartphone. You can use it to set up Glass, screencast what you see on Glass to your phone, use turn- by-turn directions, adjust/view your contacts, and add new Glassware. Apart from taking pictures and vid- eos and using the voice recognition menu, nearly all of the apps on Glass require a Wi-Fi connection. The MyGlass app assists with establishing this connection by accepting the user- name and password for any nearby Wi-Fi connection, and soon after, a QR code appears that can be scanned and identified by Glass through its Settings. Once a connection is established, Glass will typically remember that password in the future, which is help- ful, since these initial set-ups can reduce battery life. Using its built-in microphone and speaker after establishing a Wi-Fi con- nection, it is then possible to make voice/audio calls or set up a Hangout with contacts to show what the Glass wearer is looking at in real time. Finally, it is worth mentioning that, unlike a tablet or smartphone, none of the current wearables are connected to cellular 3G signals – they rely on Wi-Fi connections. An Android phone can run the MyGlass app with Glass and share a connection from the phone's existing data plan. On iOS, many Glass users keep a Personal Hotspot with them to ensure that they are always connected wherever they go, without having to look for Wi-Fi passwords. Google Glass users require MyGlass app

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