Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) is expanding its Google Glass Program, and it is planning to let its early explorers to invite three friends to purchase the wearable smart device.
The Financial Times obtained information from sources familiar with the search engine giants’ plan that it intends to roll out tens of thousands of Google Glass over the next few months through Christmas.
At present, there are a bit more than 10,000 Google Glass Explorer Edition distributed to early adopters, developers, and winners of the “If I had a Glass Competition.” The device costs $1,500 for a pair. The search engine giant previously stated that it will not sell the Google Glass to the public until 2014.
In a blog post on Google+, the search engine giant said that the original beta hardware of the Google Glass has been updated and its current explorers will be able to exchange their original device. They can also invite three friends to join the program and purchase the product.
“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 ear bud,” wrote Google.
The search engine giant added, “We’ve been experimenting with ways to expand the Explorer Program and it’s been going really well. Over the next few weeks, all Explorers will have the opportunity to invite three friends to join the program. More Explorers means more feedback, and more feedback means better Glass.” The next batch of explorers will be able to purchase the Google Glass online.
The Google Glass is controlled using voice commands and it allows users to take photographs and record videos and share it to social network sites. Users can also receive text messages and e-mails, and reply using voice commands. It also allows users to search the web, get directions from Google maps, and translate a phrase or sentence from one language to another.
Google introduced its futuristic wearable smart device during its Google I/O developer conference last year. Other companies such as Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (KSE:005930) seemed to be working on smart glasses based on its patent filings.
