Google Glass fans will have a unique opportunity soon, as for one day only any U.S. resident will be able to purchase the device.
Google has so far made its Glass available only through its "Explorer Program," but the company will be offering a one-day deal to allow any interested buyer in the U.S. to purchase the eyewear for $1,500.
The limited-time offer applies only for U.S. residents and will only be good for Tuesday, April 15. Google will also bundle a free sunglass shade or one of its newly-launched prescription glasses frames with any purchase.
The news first surfaced from The Verge, which obtained documents showing that Google will open up its Explorer Program to any interested buyer as long as they are U.S. residents.
Considering that this offer stands for one day and one day only, it sees that it's just a push to widen the reach of its existing Explorer Program, but not a full consumer release of Google Glass. Commercial availability is still expected for later this year. This move indicates that Google wants more testers ahead of the big product launch, and this strategy is a good way to see the product's success rate ahead of a big general release. At the same time, as The Verge points out, it's also a good way to clear out Explorer Edition stock and prepare for the wider consumer launch.
Google first started taking pre-orders for Google Glass back at its I/O developer conference in 2012, i.e. nearly two years ago. The company saw roughly 2,000 orders at that point, followed by another 8,000 units later in 2012, as part of a wider promotion.
Since then, Google has run several smaller campaigns to make Glass available, and has even allowed early adopters to issue friend referrals or get their name on a waitlist to become an Explorer.
After The Verge revealed this limited-time deal, Google has officially confirmed that it indeed plans to make Glass more widely available for one day only.
"Whoops. So... we'd planned to post this next week, but it looks like the cat's out of the bag now," the company announced in a Google+ post. "Over the past several months, we've been trying out different ways to expand the Explorer program. Some of you signed up at Google I/O, some told us what you would do #ifihadglass, some were referred by a friend, some joined through their school or university."
"Every day we get requests from those of you who haven't found a way into the program yet, and we want your feedback too. So in typical Explorer Program fashion, we're trying something new."
"Next Tuesday, April 15th at 6am PDT, we're opening up some spots in the Glass Explorer Program. Any adult in the US can become an Explorer by visiting our site and purchasing Glass for $1500 + tax - and it now comes with your favorite shade of frame, thanks to feedback from our current Explorers. The number of spots available is limited, so mark your calendar if you want to get in."
In conclusion, if you've been dying to get your hands on Google Glass but didn't get the chance yet, you can do so next Tuesday. Keep in mind that supplies will be limited, so stay on top of Google's offer at this link.
