Don't be a "glasshole", Google says

Google has released a list of do's and don'ts for those trialling its Glass gadget.

Google has released a list of do's and don't's for those trailing its Glass gadget. (AAP)

Thou shalt not read War and Peace, engage in cage fighting or be a "glasshole".

That's Google's message to its "Explorers" - the select elite tech team trialling its eye-mounted, internet-connected computer Glass, ahead of its commercial release.

The tech titan has released a list of commandments on its dedicated Glass blog, based on feedback from its Explorer community.

First, users shalt not "glass-out" - they should avoid staring into Google's small prismatic display for long periods of time.

"You're probably looking pretty weird to the people around you," the post says. "So don't read War and Peace on Glass."

Second, no water skiing, cage fighting or bull riding - or, indeed, any other high-impact sport: "Glass is piece of technology, so use common sense."

Third, don't baulk at the inevitable questions: "Be patient and explain that Glass has a lot of the same features as a mobile phone."

If you're worried about someone interrupting your romantic dinner with questions, take them off.

Fourth, and most importantly, don't be creepy or rude. Glass is much like a phone, so in places where a phone is not allowed, turn Glass off too.

And always ask before taking a photo.

"Standing alone in the corner of the room staring at people while recording them through Glass is not going to win you any friends.

"Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers."

The commandments are tongue-in-cheek in tone but suggest a serious underlying issue for Google: Glass is, for many, a weird and disconcerting development.

There have been reports of users being ejected from movie theatres in the US for wearing the gadget.

A Californian woman was recently charged for driving while wearing Glass, though she was later cleared by a court because police could not prove it was switched on at the time.

The lightweight frames are equipped with a hidden camera and tiny display that responds to voice commands.

The technology can be used to do things such as check email, learn background about something the wearer is looking at, or to get directions.

Google has not said when Glass will be released to the public.