Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Wearables
  3. News

Google kills off Glass Explorer program, but promises more to come

By

Google Glass Store sign
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Google wowed everyone with Glass when it first demoed the smartglasses back in 2012. Since then, the futuristic mobile computing glasses have raised the ire of bar patrons, restaurant owners, and non techies alike who see Glass as a major invasion of privacy. Google Glass was only available in limited numbers to select, hand picked participants in its Explorer Program who were willing to pay $1,500 for the honor of wearing Glass.

Updated on 01-15-2015 by Malarie Gokey: Added Google’s statement on the discontinuation of Glass Explorer Edition.

Recommended Videos

And now, that program is dead. A Wall Street Journal report states that Google will continue to sell the first version of Glass through its Explorer program until January 19, at which point, Glass will disappear from the store entirely. Only developers and businesses will be able to get their hands on Glass. In other words, Glass is going enterprise and leaving consumers behind — at least for now.

Related

Google posted an explanation on Google+ and hinted at Glass’ future. “As part of this transition, we’re closing the Explorer Program so we can focus on what’s coming next,” Google wrote, adding, “In the meantime, we’re continuing to build for the future, and you’ll start to see future versions of Glass when they’re ready (For now, no peeking).”

Google plans to offer a new version of Glass in 2015, but it has yet to announce a release date or even a roadmap for the new Glass. Google may be clearing out inventory ahead of the next-generation Glass launch. The company is known for quick, surprising product launches. This year’s Lollipop 5.0, Nexus 6, and Nexus 9 launches for example, were a total surprise. Also, former Apple executive and Nest leader Tony Fadell will join the Google X team that is working on Glass, so it’s clear the project is just getting started, it seems.

Meanwhile, others speculate that the company may not offer the next generation of Glass to consumers either. It seems that Google may prefer to test Glass out in private, away from the prying — and judgemental eyes  of the public — before it introduces a polished version for consumers.

Although Glass’ fate is uncertain at this point, the growing trend toward smartglasses and wearables indicates that Google’s smart eyewear could have a bright future — if they get it right.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Malarie Gokey
Malarie Gokey
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. Fitbit Sense
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 smartwatch, worn on a person's wrist.

The Galaxy Watch 4 is Samsung's take on a modern, hi-tech wearable that doesn't imitate an old-school analog wristwatch. It eschews the classic design of its predecessors for a sleeker, more streamlined look, while also providing some excellent hardware and features. These include a Super AMOLED touchscreen, 16GB of internal storage, generous battery life, and some great health-tracking software.

It's certainly one of the best smartwatches out there, but in a market saturated by Apple Watches and various Android equivalents, it certainly isn't without competitors. One of these is the Fitbit Sense, which in 2020 emerged to offer a premium version of the core Fitbit experience, replete with an ECG sensor, a choice of virtual assistants, and a wealth of fitness features.

Read more
This $4,000 titanium beauty is the ultimate square G-Shock
The G-Shock MRG-B5000B.

Do you want the very best Casio offers in manufacturing, design, and technology from your new G-Shock, all wrapped up in that highly recognizable square case? In other words, the ultimate version of a truly classic G-Shock watch? If so, the new MRG-B5000B is exactly the model you will want, provided cost is no object. We’ve been wearing it.
What makes MR-G so special?
Although Casio is best known for tough watches that won’t break the bank, Casio also has decades of watchmaking experience, and it showcases its talents most effectively in its highly exclusive MR-G family of watches. These models, its most luxurious, are assembled by hand on Casio’s Premium Production Line located in the Yamagata factory in Japan, where only the company’s most experienced, specially certified technicians work on the top MT-G and MR-G models.

The square G-Shock is one of the most popular models, having been around since the G-Shock brand first started in the early 1980s, and bringing it to the luxury MR-G range is going to see a lot of people reaching for their wallets. What makes it so special? It’s the first time the classic, beloved square G-Shock has been given the MR-G treatment, with most other MR-G models over the past few years featuring an analog dial. There's a huge section of an already large fan base waiting for this.

Read more
Fitbit recalls Ionic smartwatch after several burn reports
best walmart deals on apple watch garmin and fitbit ionic smartwatch adidas edition ice gray silver

Fitbit Ionic smartwatch users need to stop using their devices right now. The company has recalled its Ionic wearable after over 150 reports of the watch’s lithium-ion battery overheating, and 78 reports of burn injuries to the users. It will offer a refund of $299 to the Fitbit Ionic smartwatch users who return the device.

Fitbit has received at least 115 reports in the United States and over 50 reports internationally about the Ionic smartwatch's battery overheating. It is recalling the device as there are two reports of third-degree burns and four reports of second-degree burns out of the 78 total burn injuries report.

Read more