Google-style glasses prof turns up the heat on McDonald's

The new image on Mann's blog.

(Credit: Steve Mann Screenshot:Chris Matyszczyk/CNET)

Many who dream of adorning their faces with technology were stunned to hear that Google-type glasses might not be welcome at McDonald's.

Steve Mann, a professor at the University of Toronto, claimed that he had worn his Digital Eye Glass while ordering himself a Ranch Wrap in Paris.

He insisted that the employees did not take kindly to them. He claimed that they had tried to take them off him.

Now McDonald's has declared: "Non."

The company issued a statement, which reads in part: "Several staff members involved have been interviewed individually, and all independently and consistently expressed that their interaction with Dr. Mann was polite and did not involve a physical altercation."

No one seems to be disputing that Mann was asked to leave and that the reason for this was a potential threat to privacy. Yes, there was fear that he was surreptitiously (or not) photographing both staff and customers.

McDonald's and Mann were to have a conversation yesterday. However, Mann has now posted ... [Read more]