Google Glass has made a lot of headlines this past year as it attempts to build a truly useful wearable tech device. While Glass has been popular in the news, the device has only been rolled out to a select number of users, but that is about to change. Google announced today that it will be opening up its Glass program by allowing current users to invite friends to purchase the device. According to engadget.com:
” Google has confirmed that it is indeed preparing an invite system that will let current Glass owners invite up to three friends to join its Explorer program and buy a device of their own. What’s more, Google’s also announced a one-time hardware exchange for existing Glass users, which will let them swap out their eyewear for an upgraded version. There’s no word on any potential improvements to battery life or other specs just yet, but Google says the new version will work with ‘future lines of shades and prescription frames,’ and also come equipped with a mono earbud. Glass users can expect to receive an email sometime next month with further details on the exchange process.”
This is major news for Google Glass enthusiasts, as there are many first adopters still waiting to get their hands on the device. However, at a costs of $1500 and an ecosystem that is still in its early stages in terms of usability and apps, Google Glass is far from becoming a mass market product. That’s probably why Google has taken the “invitation only” approach.
