Have you been chomping at the bit to buy Google Glass, but just couldn't snag an invite? ... anyone?? Okay, well, I'm sure someone out there has US$1,500 and a desire to look like a beta version of Robocop. If that's you, then today's your lucky day.
Google just posted an update to the Glass Google+ account, announcing that Glass is now available for anyone to buy. It's still listed as the "Explorer Edition," so this is still considered a beta product. The price also, unfortunately, hasn't dropped any. It looks like Google isn't quite ready for that official retail launch we've been waiting for.
Except for one day last month when it also went on sale to the general public, you've previously needed an invite to get in on the Glass beta program. This time, though, Google isn't pitching it as a limited time thing. The only caveat (besides having to live in the U.S.) is an "as long as we have it on hand" disclaimer. Also keep in mind that supplies sold out in a few hours during the April one-day sale.
$1,500 is a lot of money to throw down for a beta product, but at least now Google is throwing in a pair of prescription frames with your purchase. The frames, which you'll still have to take to an optometrist to fit with lenses, help to cut down a bit on the geek factor. The frames previously cost an extra $225.
Glass had a lot of buzz going for it about a year ago, when very few people had their hands on it. But, as more people joined the Explorer program, I got the impression that the product's mystique and appeal took a big hit. Privacy fears, a fairly limited feature set, and not wanting to look like theworld's nerdiest techno-dweeb seem to be the biggest factors playing against Sergey Brin's pet project.
I was a Glass Explorer for a couple of months, and, though I never completely adjusted to looking like a distant cousin of Geordi La Forge, I can say that I've never used a product that's anything quite like Glass — for better or worse.
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