Google's space-age specs are closer to being a real consumer product than we previously thought. The Verge has gone eyes-on with the device, and reports the Big G is aiming to sell the finished version before the end of this year.
The glasses won't break the bank either. Google reckons "less than $1,500" (£984) will get you a pair of augmented reality spectacles that effectively bring the power of the Internet to your everyday vision. Where do I sign up?
The Explorer edition of Glass went up for pre-order last summer, but these were only for developers. Again, they cost $1,500. Earlier in the week, Google opened up pre-orders for the Explorer version for "creative individuals", but there's a pesky application process to go through. Previously, Sergey Brin said he hoped Glass would land on shop shelves sometime this year, and now it sounds like Google will hit that target.
There's no word on whether the specs will be available in the UK at launch, but I'd imagine so. Providing Google doesn't run out of stock like it did with the Nexus 4 -- which seems unlikely at that price.
According to The Verge's play time with the device, Glass feels "good in your hand and on your head, solid but surprisingly light. Comfortable." The battery and counterweight sit inside a soft-touch plastic, and a thin metal strip makes the arc of the glasses.
The device will be available in grey, orange, black, white and light blue. And if you don't like any of them, don't worry, as Glass comes apart so you can attach another frame to the guts of the device and effectively turn any pair of specs into Google-powered computers.
What are they like to wear? The small screen is there in the top corner, showing the time and text. You wake it by tapping the touchpad, or tilting your head back slowly to look up. Then you start with the voice commands, preceding each with "Okay Glass," just like in the latest ad. It's not perfect yet, but performance seems on a par with Google's Advanced Voice Search, providing you have a data connection, of course.
Would you wear Google Glass? How can it be improved? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook page.
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Duncan Leishman 23 February, 2013 14:49
What about speccy wearers like myself who dont like contact lenses?
anonymous 23 February, 2013 17:19
Is this product needed in anyway at all?
midfieldgeneral 23 February, 2013 19:13
We are now entering the future. Presumably my jet pack can't be far away now?
anonymous 23 February, 2013 21:06
@midfieldgeneral if you have a spare £66,000 your jet pack is already hear, check out Sky News tech section.
Late8 23 February, 2013 21:12
look like a plonk and get it stolen off you head within 5 minutes ... all for only £1000
Late8 23 February, 2013 21:13
oh ... this will be Googles Sinclair C5 moment.
Just wont take off.
midfieldgeneral 24 February, 2013 00:16
@anonymous 21:06 excellent. Now I just need to find a spare £67,000, then I can have a Google hangout of myself pointlessly crashing into the side of a mountain and dying in a ball of flames and swear words. It's just a s shame that there will be no one on Google+ to see it.
Neilc28 24 February, 2013 00:23
Love this, CNET viewers saying it won't take off and 90% of the verge viewers loving it and can't wait!
Don't be so negative people, I'm sure as a Version 1 device it's going to kick-off something big!
Sergio Ortiz 25 February, 2013 00:10
I think Google should've secretly made an agreement with Apple to market these under the Apple brand. They then would've been able to sell them like hotcakes for twice as much.
anonymous 25 February, 2013 21:42
Won't break the bank? £1000?????? are you kidding me?