14 DAY TRIAL // Google Glass has been available to buyers for about half a year now as part of the Explorer Program. Granted, like with some Ferraris, Google has to pick you to be allowed to buy the device.
But a few thousand people have Glass already, and they have done some interesting things with the device. Now, the company is expanding the Explorer Program to include significantly more people, though it's still not ready for a full retail launch.
"Over the next few weeks, all Explorers will have the opportunity to invite three friends to join the program. They’ll be able to buy Glass online and can have it shipped to their home, office, treehouse or igloo," Google announced.
"We’re counting on you to get Glass to the people you think will make great Explorers. More Explorers means more feedback, and more feedback means better Glass," the search giant added.
Google and other web companies have taken this approach, of gradually opening up products to users by relying on invites. But, unlike the Gmail beta, this involves actual hardware. Any friends who want in are going to pay $1,500 (€1,089) for the privilege.
The company has had a similar option for Glass users available since July. But "explorers" could only invite one friend and those invited had to pick up the device personally in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New York. Now, you can nominate up to three friends and the device will be shipped to them.
All the new explorers should get a revamped version of Glass, which features some updates and changes, such as a new design and a mono earbud. The exercise will help the company prepare for a mass market release, improve its infrastructure and app support, but, more importantly, it will be able to get feedback from more people using the device in more situations.