Google Glass is a great piece of technology and has captured the imaginations of both the technically interested and average consumer and yesterday Google announced that there would be a few changes coming for Glass Explorers in terms of access and hardware.
Google has advised in a Google+ post that they have been quite happy with the reception that the Glass Explorer program has received and they’re expanding it. They’re offering their existing Glass Explorers three invites to hand out to interested parties that gives them the opportunity to purchase the exciting device. There are caveats however, similar to when Google previously offered Glass explorers the option to invite friends. Invitees must be :
- A US Resident.
- Aged 18 years or older.
- Provide a U.S. based shipping address OR be able to pick up Glass in either San Francisco, New York, or Los Angeles.
Glass Explorers have 14 days to invite three of their friends, family or acquaintances.
Google also announced that they will soon have updated hardware that existing Glass Explorerswho purchased their device before October 28, 2013, can swap their hardware for an updated model. This update also includes the ability to use prescription lenses, as well as a mono earbud – seems the bone conduction speaker included in the original model isn’t that great. :
At the same time, we’ve been making the hardware better, too. We want to say “thank you” for all the amazing feedback we’ve been getting, so later this year, all Explorers will have a one-time option to swap out their existing Glass for a new one. This hardware update will allow your Glass to work with future lines of shades and prescription frames, and we’ll also include a mono earbud.
This morning, Google added an update which shows off the new version of Glass, including what the device looks like with the mono ear bud :
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The ramp up of invites to new explorers, as well as the long awaited prescription glasses modification is surely an indicator that a retail launch could be coming soon, with most expecting a 2014 release, exactly when though is still anyones guess.
Would you purchase Glass for $1500 if given the opportunity?
This would be actually be interesting if it was for more than just the US only.
Looks to be a hard wired earbud. While that keeps the hardware compact, it means that if the earbud is too large for your ear, then it renders the earbud useless.
Without any real photos of the Glass projector working with prescription lenses, there’s no way I would shell out $1500.
The $1500 is just for Explorer users. Once it is released to consumers the price will be much less.
The earbud will certainly have changeable heads, just like virtually every other earbud sold.
You said a while back that you’re not going to buy it because it doesn’t support prescription glasses, then when they announce the next version will support custom glasses you say you’re not going to buy them because they don’t have any photos? Are you serious? They’ve only just made the announcement!
On the price, its still not a retail device. They don’t expect joe blows to be purchasing yet. Unless you’re a developer your comment is pointless.