Dev builds a lock screen for Google Glass (which Google somehow forgot)

While Google Glass may seem like a step towards a crazy science-fiction future, for some reason it lacks a fairly basic security feature: a lock screen.

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That left the door open for Roundarch Isobar’s Mike DiGiovanni to develop a lock screen of his own, which he calls Bullletproof. Whenever Glass detects that it’s been removed from your face, the app presents a screen that can be unlocked with your own combination of gestures on Glass’s touchpad.

It’s not exactly groundbreaking, but it’s certainly necessary for a $1,500 computer that you wear on your face. Without Bulletproof, anyone could grab your Glass unit and send whatever images and messages they want to your friends and Google+ page.

The bigger question: How the heck did Google release a next-generation device without basic security protection? I’d argue that Glass is even more vulnerable to theft than your smartphone, since it’s typically resting on your face unattached, instead of being hidden in your pocket or purse. Glass also can’t be folded down like a typical pair of Glasses, which means it’s a fairly big target if you leave it on your desk.

If  your expensive Glass headset does get stolen though, you can always track it and wipe it remotely from the MyGlass website. Still, that doesn’t help if someone surreptitiously nabs your Glass unit to send malicious messages.

Update: A Google spokesperson sent along the following statement around Glass’s security:

We recognize the importance of building device-specific protections, and we’re experimenting with solutions as we work to make Glass more broadly available.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZSCY35o-B4M

Via: Slashgear; Photo of Sergey Brin wearing Google Glass: Chris Chabot/Google