Anyone willing to buy Google Glass please hurry up as Monday is the last day anyone can buy the wearable device. The device was launched just last year, and was available in the consumer markets at a hefty price tag of USD1500. The device could not appeal to all, and hence had a very small number of early adopters.
Why Google suspending the sale?
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s eyewear tech was a very ambitious project for the internet giant, but unfortunately it did not turn out as well as the company had expected it to be. Also, there have been several news of the device malfunctioning since its release.
Many crucial employees, engaged in the development of Glass, left Google in last twelve months. This was a major setback for the project. Few major names among those are Babak Parviz, the lead developer and Adrian Wong, electrical engineering chief and Ossama Alami, director of developer relations.
Also, a recent survey among the 16 Glass app makers suggested the declining popularity of the gadget. Of the 16 surveyed, nine stopped working on their projects primarily due to fewer customers or limitations of the device while three shifted from consumer projects to develop apps for the business.
Is it a wise move?
Experts believe the latest move is a positive sign from Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) hinting the customization of Glass for use in the workplaces. “I think the move today reflects its maturity, moving Glass out of skunkworks into product development,” said Jon Fisher of CrowdOptic, who is among the five certified developers that have worked with Glass.
On the other hand, some of the experts believe that Google Glass is finished now. Rory Cellan, the technology correspondent at BBC said, “Make no mistake – Google Glass is dead, at least in its present form.”
Google Glass was developed inside the secretive Google X research lab. However, it has moved out now and falls under the direction of Tony Fadell, co-founder and chief executive officer of the home automation company, Nest Labs. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) acquired Nest Labs an year back for $3.2 billion. Despite the project moving out of the secretive lab, it will still be led by Ivy Ross, a former jewellery designer.
