Google Inc (GOOG): This Glass Competior is Cheaper and Won’t Record Your Every Move!

Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is not yet ready to launch its Google Glass to the world just yet, bt it is clear that since Google co-founder Sergey Brin was spotted around New York City with the wearable computer on his head oh those many months ago, the idea of wearable tech has gone to the forefront of imaginations.  And there seems to be much interest in the eyewear, both in terms of curiosity and skepticism (The skepticism seems to stem from major privacy concerns.)

Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has gained a lot of attention over the last year with its wearable tech, and it is continuing to develop the product in beta to address the many possible uses for the device and (we would hope) address some of the issues with privacy and gathering  personal data about those around a Google Glass user thanks to the built-in camera.

But while Google Glass is dominating conversations about what is next in tech, there is an Italian company that is apparently getting under Google’s skin just a little bit for having similar tech in development.

The company is called GlassUp, and it boasts a Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Glass alternative that is apparently retailing for much cheaper than what Google Glass may cost, and it has  couple of additional features  – the product actually just looks like a standard pair of glasses, and there is no camera installed, so there is no fear of surrepetitious  video roll or photography while walking  down the street.

It seems to be primarily a computer monitor for your eyes that connects to a mobile device.  And unlike Google Glass, which seems to put information on display in the corner of the user’s vision, GlassUp’s device seems to put  everything right in the center of the glasses.

More specific specs about these glasses are not available at ths point, but it has gotten the attention of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) lawyers, at least. Reportedly, Google has approached the owners of GlassUp requesting that the company change its name and the name of its product.

The word “Glass,” Google believes, might cause confusion about consumers – and of course, it could be a trademark issue, as Google is reportedly getting a trademark for Glass when used for wearable computers and associated accessories and peripherals. Word is that the GlassUp device may retail for about $400. Worthwhile?

If this is true, and this new device really is less intrusive than Google Glass, would you consider Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s offering, or that of the alternative? What features would be important for you if you were in the market for wearable tech like this?

Do you think fund managers like David Tepper (see his full equity portfolio) are paying attention to products like this? Is the camera important like it seems to be in other mobile devices? Let us know your general thoughts about wearable tech in the comments section below.

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