Tech lovers anxious to get their hands on Google Glass may soon have the chance – that is, if they know the right people.
Google Glass announced on Monday that it will expand its Explorer Program over the next few weeks, allowing Explorers (people who have been trying out the wearable computer device) to invite three of their friends to join the program. Each person invited will still have to pay $1,500 for the device, which is expected to be publicly available in 2014.
The company hopes to get more feedback from the referrals. “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 tiny computer as glasses has opened a new market for entrepreneurs and young tech whiz kids. In April, Google Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers created the Glass Collective to “fund innovation” through Glass. The collective “offers seed funding to startups working on creative, diverse, and crazy ideas that are shaping the future through Glass.”
The device has already begun to navigate the competitive mapping space. Earlier this month, Google Glass made transit details a part of the wearable technology experience by allowing users who have paired Glass with an Android device to see public transit directions on the device.
Google Glass also announced a hardware update on Monday, giving Explorers a one-time option to exchange their existing Glass for a newer version. The new hardware will allow for future lines of shades and prescription frames, and include a mono earbud.