The manufacturers are racing the land so that we drive with smart glasses. Spain is not prepared

Google is preparing an update for Android Auto. A close related to one of the devices that aims to mark the trend of the coming years: smart glasses.

The arrival in Spain of models such as the Rayban Meta go beyond curiosity. These types of glasses are another device in consumer technology, such as a mobile or a headset. And both are prohibited at the wheel.

Android Auto and smart glasses. A few days ago the Android source code gave away one of the functions that Google is preparing: Content projection such as Google Maps while driving.

Developing functions, among which is the “Start Navigation to Launch Glasses” make clear Google’s idea for this type of device: technology integration to the head up display within the glasses themselves.

A concept problem. With Google’s idea, several points enter concepts. None of them regulated in the current Spanish legislation. If the glasses project content, they would be governed by the Article 18.1 of the General Circulation Regulation (RD 1428/2003)that prays the following.

“The driver is obliged to maintain his own freedom of movements, the necessary vision field and permanent driving attention, which guarantee their own safety, that of the rest of the occupants of the vehicle and that of the other users of the road.”

Technically, the projection of the glasses would not affect the field of vision or the free movements. But the problem is that smart glasses, at least the most popular (such as Meta), have nothing to do with this.

Hands free and Spain. The circulation code does not like hands free, and is quite restrictive about it. Article 18.2 of the General Circulation Regulation prays the following.

“It is forbidden to drive using helmets or headphones connected to receptor or sound players.”

The key here is that, technically, the glasses are glasses, although they work as much as headphones and sound players. Because yes, devices such as Rayban Meta are literally music players, with the difference that they are not located in the ear.

The nuances. Although the circulation code prohibits the use of headphones, it reflects some exceptions. Among them, that assisted driving devices or hands are not prohibited that neither cover the ears nor isolate in the environment.

In other words, if I gave you driving with some Vision Pro It is more than probable (and deserved) to stop and mulitate you. With Rayban Meta, you would technically be complying with Spanish legislation.

An inevitable trend. He Google and Samsung pact For mixed reality devices, the finish line with Rayban Meta, the prototypes of motor companies such as BWM for make glasses that work while driving.

The format of smart glasses, although now diversified between complete format (helmet) and traditional format, has gain presence of a time to this part. Sooner or later, the legislation will have to clarify what we can do and what not with them behind the wheel.

Image | Xataka

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