Google closes Glass Explorer Program

As they say, All good things must come to an end, and the Google Glass Explorer Program will end from next week. this does not spell the end of the face computer’s development. In fact, it seems that the Google is simply reshuffling the team and division in charge of the product in a move that should streamline Glass’s route to market.

Essentially, the Explorer Edition of Google Glass will no longer be available to purchase for its current price of $1,500. Instead, Google will remain focused on its continued development and eventual public release.

Glass will no longer be developed from within the Google X division, and will be managed by Ivy Ross from here on. The leader of Glass will be Tony Fadell, CEO of Nest, the smart home product firm that Google purchased over a year ago. The team working on the wearable will continually report back to him.

Even though Fadell is heading to Glass development, it’s worth pointing out that Glass isn't being palmed off Nest, and wont be related to Nest in any way. It’s just being given its own piece of real estate within Google’s executive framework, so in a sense, is being upgraded.

Despite the apparent dedication on making Glass a success, Google doesn't yet know when a new version will be rolling out. There are no set time frames as yet – at least, none that the firm is willing to divulge – so we'll have to wait and see how things progress over the next few weeks and months.

What do you think – will Glass still live up to the hype and find a place in the consumer market? Or is it destined to serve enterprise users and the usual tech geeks. Do share your thoughts and comments below!



source - WSJ