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We’re graduating from Google[x] labs

It’s hard to believe that Glass started as little more than a scuba mask attached to a laptop. We kept on it, and when it started to come together, we began the Glass Explorer Program as a kind of “open beta” to hear what people had to say.

Explorers, we asked you to be pioneers, and you took what we started and went further than we ever could have dreamed: from the large hadron collider at CERN, to the hospital operating table; the grass of your backyard to the courts of Wimbledon; in fire stations, recording studios, kitchens, mountain tops and more.

Glass was in its infancy, and you took those very first steps and taught us how to walk. Well, we still have some work to do, but now we’re ready to put on our big kid shoes and learn how to run.

Since we first met, interest in wearables has exploded and today it’s one of the most exciting areas in technology. Glass at Work has been growing and we’re seeing incredible developments with Glass in the workplace. As we look to the road ahead, we realize that we’ve outgrown the lab and so we’re officially “graduating” from Google[x] to be our own team here at Google. We’re thrilled to be moving even more from concept to reality.

As part of this transition, we’re closing the Explorer Program so we can focus on what’s coming next. January 19 will be the last day to get the Glass Explorer Edition. 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.)

Thanks to all of you for believing in us and making all of this possible. Hang tight—it’s going to be an exciting ride.
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283 comments
 
Excellent news!! We're thrilled to see what's next for Glass!
 
It's been a fun ride. Can't wait to see the next iteration of Glass. Thanks, everyone for all your work :)
 
I'm glad we were able to make this happen and can't wait for what's next!
 
I am excited for the future of +Google Glass and am proud of everyone in the #glassfamily  for what we have achieved. This goes out to you Google, we will be here waiting for the next version to test, love and adapt into our daily lives. 
 
I'm not sure if this makes me less nervous ... or more. 
 
Hope we'll here something concrete about the future of the technology soon! 
 
+Carms Perez  I agree, +Google Glass what is going to happen with the current explorers? Have you decided what is going to happen when the next iteration comes out? 
 
Thanks for everything you do, being part of the Explorers has been awesome and can't wait to see what's next! :D
 
+Google Glass - This news is bittersweet. I am happy to hear that Glass is moving out of GoogleX but I am also deeply concerned for the future of the Glass Program as a whole. I know there are a lot of unanswered questions but I would at least like to know the following. 

1) What about future Glassware. Will you guys still be accepting contributions
2) Will you be supporting future upgrades to Glass (Lollipop) or will we be stuck on KitKat
3) What does this mean for the current group of Glass Users? 
 
Looking forward to seeing what's next. I hope the Explorers will still be able to play a role in the future of GLASS.
 
So +Google Glass what does this mean for those of us working with Glass and being explorers right now? Do we become extinct :)
 
Thanks for allowing us to help shape the future of wearable technology.
 
Its been a fun and interesting roller coaster being an Explorer. Keep up the work, good luck and don't forget about us!
 
Exciting! Can't wait to see what's next :)
 
The futures so bright......I've gotta wear shades! 👓
Great works guys, can't wait for the next version.
 
Also a little worried about the fate of current explorers and models that may break (due to the foil problem!) but excited to see a new person in charge and ready for the future versions!
 
Bring it on +Google Glass Can't wait to see new versions of Glass. I do love my Explorer edition, though!
 
+Keith I Myers I'd love to know the answers to these items also. It impacts some of the work we've been doing and we need to plan accordingly. 
 
PRAISE THE LORD, THE GOOGLE GLASS GOD HAS SPOKEN!
 
I'm also concerned about the foil issue, especially since I will be moving to a tropical location soon. Hopefully future projects will not have problems like that, and I'm excited to see what they will offer!
 
+Google Glass​, here's to great things to come! This should be an exciting next couple of years.
 
It also appears that the team is going to report into the NEST CEO?  http://www.cnbc.com/id/102329980

It would be cool to rip some of the learnings out and make a small wearable that can interface with the NEST ecosystem using voice. That would be HOT.
 
So, are the Explorer forums going to shut down then? Will we be able to access Glassware and install new ones? Is this device going to be a brick in two weeks?
 
Congratulations! I can't wait to see what's next for glass!
 
so... is it worth it to try and get a glass explorer edition now? or just wait for the promising future??
 
Whoa, so this means the foil problem has been fixed?? YAY!!
 
Here is what the Wall Street Journal said:
By ALISTAIR BARR
Updated Jan. 15, 2015 2:04 p.m. ET
Tech Giant to Stop Selling First Device as It Restructures Unit’s Leadership.
Google Inc. is making big changes to its troubled Glass wearable-computing project, giving a former Apple Inc executive oversight of the initiative as the Internet giant grapples with the best way to expand from its software roots into hardware.

Glass is moving from the Google X research lab to be a stand-alone unit led by Ivy Ross. Ms. Ross and her team will report to Tony Fadell, a former Apple executive who heads Nest Labs, the smart-home device company Google acquired for $3.2 billion in February 2014. Mr. Fadell will still run Nest, but he also will oversee Glass and provide strategic guidance to Ms. Ross.

Google will stop selling the initial version of Glass to individuals through its Explorer program after Jan. 19. Google will still sell Glass to companies and developers for work applications.

Google plans to release a new version of Glass in 2015, but it hasn't been more specific about timing.

The changes usher in a new strategy for Glass that will shun large, public tests of hardware prototypes in favor of the approach used by Apple and Nest, which develop consumer gadgets in secret and release them as fully finished products.
Google released the first version of Glass in April 2013 to people who applied to test the $1,500 Internet-connected eyewear through its Explorer program. Just over a year later, the device went on sale to the general public, but sales were small amid privacy complaints, technical shortcomings and a lack of obvious uses.
Here's the link to the article:
http://www.wsj.com/articles/google-makes-changes-to-its-glass-project-1421343901
 
Never, has so much, been promised, to so many, with so little delivered, for so much.
GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK GOOGLE GLASS.
 
Excited for the future and thrilled to have had the opportunity to be part of the Explorer program. Its been a fantastic journey so far +Google Glass​ and there's plenty left to travel! 
 
I hope that support will continue for those of us that have Glass.  That was an expensive investment--which we all made willingly, but it would be nice to be included in future versions of Glass.
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So at some point we'll all be screwed when our foil bubbles (again).  Greeeeaaaat.
 
I am hoping those of us who supported the Explorer get some kind of upgrade offer.. not just buy it again.. excited to see this change!
 
Janus, from Roman mythology,  looks back at the past and also at the same time looks toward the future. I believe as the Explorer Program  ends, the next vision/version of Glass will begin with evidence based research and facts provided from the amazing success of the  past Beta Glass Project/Explorer Program.   The amazing legacy we leave has touched many lives for the better, and we have  told many stories and made exciting discoveries that have shown both strengths and weaknesses, but mostly strengths, and clearly a hopeful vision of what will be an exciting time in wearable technology which will continue on as we leave an impressive watermark on the history of wearable computers.

Many Glass Explorers  have already proven this to be true especially in our daily lives as we  explore through our Glass devices, and have also used Glass in our professional lives ,respectfully, in education,  research, medicine, arts, sciences. and emerging innovations, where Glass 1 has just scratched the surface because we accepted the challenges of being Explorers, and Glass 2 will be worth waiting for - as I see it.  Thank  you Glass 1 for amazing journeys, explorations and believing in us as your Explorers.   Thank you too if you read all of this :)
i heart Glass   #GlassFamily   #glassexplorers   #iheartglass  
 
SO excited for Glass to enter this next phase!  
 
Wow! This is going to be amazing +Google Glass. Im excited that you guys are taking our experiences to the next step and making Glass even better for us :)
 
That's my favorite quote! And I know Glass is going to be my favorite tech item ever! Let us know the public release date asap
 
Reminder

Luxottica Group, a leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and sales of premium, luxury and sports eyewear and Google Inc.  announce today they have agreed they will join forces to design, develop and distribute a new breed of eyewear for Glass.
 
Today’s announcement offers a far reaching strategic partnership between Luxottica and Google to work together across multiple efforts on the creation of innovative iconic wearable devices. Through this relationship, Luxottica and Google, who are setting the pace in their respective industries, will match up high-tech developers with fashion designers and eyewear professionals. In particular, the two Corporations will establish a team of experts devoted to working on the design, development, tooling and engineering of Glass products that straddle the line between high-fashion, lifestyle and innovative technology.
Luxottica added that the two major proprietary brands of the Group, Ray-Ban and Oakley who has a 10-year heritage in wearable technology that has evolved from MP3 to HUD devices, will be a part of the collaboration with Glass; however details about these new products will be disclosed at a later stage.
 
I hope an additional  announcement comes detailing what support explorers will receive . That purchase price includes support so that must continue. 
 
Thank you +Google Glass team, I feel humbled to once again be apart of something that started so small and has grown so much(CR-48 -> Chromebooks/boxes)!

Glass, is one of the most memorable devices that made me see differently. Not just because its vision based, but because of the interaction with the world along with the subtle and thoughtful interaction with the device.

There have been so many times when I did things that before, would stop the situation in its tracks, taking a picture, getting directions, responding to a text, that with Glass it has become second nature.

My dad came up with this phrase long ago when he started thinking about and designing an architectural program and interface, that is, "design at the speed of thought", he told me that one day(20+ years ago) that we would at some point be able to interact with these "computers" in a way where we won't have to think about it, it just happens as naturally as it is to speak to someone. Glass gave me that impression the moment I tried it, it brought that phrase to the forefront of my thoughts and hasn't left since.

As a parent myself now, I completely understand the analogy to learning to walk and then run. Of course there has been stumbles, which don't need mentioned here, because like any child learning to walk those mistakes along with the accomplishments are recorded, and what I have great confidence in with Google is the recording of both of those conditions. Having been a alpha/beta tester for several devices and services now, I have been reminded over and over that "data matters" and "focus on the user and all else with follow", never have I ever experienced that from any other company or product/service.

The family, oh the #glassfamily  , what can I say about all these wonderful people, they are kind, helpful, responsive, just completely amazing! I have never seen in all the years of being online (18+) a community so engaged and helpful with each other.

With that said, I am someone sad to see the explorer program end, but I know that great things are on the horizon, and its up to all of us to go out and EXPLORE!
 
Awesome. Been waiting for this post for some time!! 
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Looking forward to what's next!
 
+Google Glass we are waiting patiently for news about how this will affect support for software and hardware. I'm on my 5th Glass (4 foil failures, one IMU).  

Given that nothing has been changed in hardware to prevent foil failures, we are concerned about the future.

That said - Congratulations! Welcome graduation.
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Absolutely +Jay Kim! The Glass at work program and what APXLabs does right now will only get magnified with this new direction.
 
Oh! Great to read this beautiful comments about the Google Glass. I'll love to have a taste of this adventure hopefully when it's brought to Africa. Will you get me one as a gift? :D. Well done Google.
 
+Michael Rowe right? I paid £1000 and the explorer program closes 4 months later... Feel a little jaded! But if the new version of Glass is under £1k, some people will have massively overpaid
 
instead of honestly assessing failure and using the lessons to develop strength, google is going the route of saving face. 

i know google has tango chip and other genuinely respectable projects in the pipeline, but groupthink and exec face saving and wasting money without fessing up to mistakes is a sure sign that google has become institutionalized, less willing to learn from no less admit to making mistakes,  and will face the same managerial problems massive fossilized institutions do; namely denial and waste. but heey, they can afford to lose 500 million so who cares right?

if VC companies don't analyze their mistakes they fail. google is in part a high tech R&D/VC company. the biggest and awesomest. but things don't always remain this way. 

i'm still bullish on google, but refusing to acknowledge that you are using the fiasco to learn from your mistakes is classic PR. the more efffort progressive high tech mega institutions put into PR and saving FACE , the less they usually put into quality innovation

just look at apple. all they have left is milking their current business model. they will be extinct within 20 30years. they are no bell labs.


worse, there remains the possibiliy that google will continue to throw more good money after bad by supporting glass with significant financial backing. this is PRECISELY what happens at mega companies where executives must save face. instead of just cutting off all in hohouse funding to failed projects, they keep them alive just to save face. blackberry is a great example. from 10,000 feet to nearly dead and buried.

google is not black berry but it's not beyond all critical managerial analysis. 

i know some people will disagree for reasons of believing google can do no wrong. but i know from speaking with others , they would disagree because they are even MORE bearish on google, believing they will follow the death path of companies like apple. or at least, that they hate their google glass, and sold it or stopped using it.

products like google glass wanted to be that iphone product success path. and they failed for good and predictable reasons. i'd like to see a TED talk about the failure of google glass. it would be a refresshing wake up call.  Hell, i could give that talk on an extemporaneous basis. overnight, id make the powerpoints and show up the next day for a standing ovation speech. it would be a speech about groupthink , psychological bubble/proximity heuristics, and a harvard business school case study on ill conceived R&D in house.  with a final, and optimistic look at what other companies are out there making heads up displays and where the space might go in the 5-10 year time frame. 

congratulations upon "graduating" google glass.

Mission Accomplished!
 
Thanks +Google Glass!  It's been challenging to be an explorer in a world resistant to change. While we are so excited for Glass to be the "norm" we have to put up with backwards thinking from those that laugh about it, call it nerdy or even refer to those that wear Glass as "glass-holes." Wow -- it's great to be surrounded in this community by forward thinkers and fearless pioneers. Press on! Pull the world forward.
 
Unfortunately this probably means no Android Lollipop for the old Texas Instruments version of Glass. The new Intel version will probably get it, but it will be difficult to convince myself to pay for that when the previous edition was left in the dust so early. I guess Google will have less leverage trying to convince Android OEMs to support and update their older devices as well considering the mothership has now dropped an Android product early instead of updating it as well.
 
Thank you +Google Glass, for allowing me to catch so many family moments hands-free since July 2013. It has been a fun ride. Can't wait to see what comes next!
 
Thanks for the invite and the opportunity to explore.  I have been able to explore the underlying technical concepts of wearable technology as well as explorer the use and concerns with wearables.

Hope to be able to continue with what comes next.....
 
It's been an awesome ride +Google Glass​. I really got a taste of the future when I tried on Glass for first time. I can't wait to see what you guys have been cooking up :) Keep Glass awesome! Here's to the future, future of Glass! :)
 
I still use my Google Glass.  It's a great way to document travel hands-free.  Hopefully it will be kept awesome, and hopefully we, the Explorers, are allowed to beta the next version/iteration of Glass.  No matter how cool smart watches are (and they are--I am old enough to remember Dick Tracy and his video watch!), I can't video or shoot pictures with one just yet.
 
nest glass revolv android@home android auto

I need something like the moto hint paired with a cool looking monocle to reinvigorate my imagination.
 
Hope we can upgrade to the new model.
 
I love my glass and hate to see this go. I put so much faith in Google and paid to see this project go south. It is great technology and poor Google management killed it. I hope Google top executives remember us for loyalty and include us to be part of next project. This is only way they can get our trust back. 
 
4 days notice? That's not rushed at all. Must've been planned out for a while.

Bwahahahaha.
 
+Google Glass what are the opportunities for those of us who developed an app, brought it through the approval process and supported the app on the Glassware store without the ability to charge for the app (aka DawnData).? +Mark Silverberg 
Al Stan
 
I'm sad they closed the explorer without fixing the bubbling foil issue. I guess that means they will keep replacing them until the warranty is up and then my glass will be garbage.
 
Looking forward to seeing what the next hardware revision brings! I am very eager to trade in my existing XE for an improved version. Very glad to see that Glass is becoming a real product. Hopefully the investment in SDK and product bug fixing will increase significantly!
 
+Marquis Mathis Yes but those whose warranties have expired will eventually have the foil bubble because it is a hardware flaw.
 
I bought mine in July 2013. I think it was within four days I realized I was going the opposite direction.. less, not more, tech.  I knew this would happen... and that's why I am so thrilled I sold mine to a French journalist in July of last year. End result is I got to try them for a year for about $200 total. It wasn't event worth that to me.... IT's revolutionary tech that just wasn't for me personally or professionally. I am not a lifecaster, vlogger, etc.

But when these things are honed, they will be a enterprise business solution that will take the world by storm. These will create mad efficiencies..... should be curious to watch.
 
I wish Google had tried to actually make me feel like being an Explorer was a 1500 dollar premium experience. I wish they would communicate more with me as someone willing to provide data on their product. I wish I didn't feel like I had been stood up for the prom... Please Google, fix this, quit acting so standoffish
 
All the hard work and accomplishments....I would not treat a developer community that has shown such creativity and dedication like this.
I do not think the product people know what they had going for them. In five years, some other product developer will benefit from this community's work.
 
Congratulations +Google Glass​ !! Here's to a wonderful journey of exploration and learning in the forefront of wearable technology & Cheers to taking the next step of this fantastic experience !! :-) 
 
Why are people reading this as if the product is being discontinued? It's being brought out of Google[x], which is their advanced product development division that does stuff like the self driving car. Note the "you'll start to see future versions of Glass when they're ready."
 
and still not worth anywhere near $1500
 
It feels a bit like when I sent my sons off to college.  I was happy for their progress, but sad that I would miss them.  Will  you  promise to keep in touch +Google Glass ? I'll be waiting to hear what new concepts are brought to Glass, and willing to participate in it's all it's  future forms. 
 
Thanks for your pioneering work +Google Glass  - I head the RnD /Labs Division at a very large software firm (Fortune 20) company .  We along with our ISV partner channel created Glass Warehouse Management Applications . This morning I had conversation with a European customer, specializing in bike parts and their desire to adopt our Warehouse Mgmt Glass Apps and in the afternoon got this news.  I hope you realize that a lot of us in the industry have bet our personal and professional credibility behind Google Glass and #GlassFamily    - it would be quite embarrassing and potentially career limiting for us to have Google not follow up and deliver a production version of Glass device.   We believe in you - do not let us down!
 
The reason people are disappointed is because they spend $1500 for a test unit. Just to get told thanks we'll see you in a few years where you have to buy the final version for even more. So people basically wasted $1500 and have to spend $1500+ on final version. Especially at this point as they obviously are going to be doing a lot with it to improve it over these explorer editions for when it's released. My guess though, two years down the road it'll have been pushed into a corner and given up on if they've gotten this far and just want to stop letting public help and never allowing some people to help. To me that's a step backwards as they loose a mass amount of data about the use of the device. If they are making big changes it would make sense to add more units to test not discontinue the whole public beta program. 
 
So no more apps or support for Glass? :(
 
+DylRob15 Who's to say they won't give explorers a break? You just know it all don't you! :)
 
This gives me the feel of excitement AGAIN! Can't wait!
 
+Google Glass will you guys still be selling the frames after the 19th? hopefully those don't go away too.
 
I love glass, and am looking forward to see what is next.
Kent Wu
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Finally, no more glassholes!
YAY THANKS GOOGLE
 
Can't wait to see the next version!!!
 
early adoption is not known to be friendly to those that adopt, history pretty much speaks to that.
 
I'd like to know that my Glass will continue to be supported, the warranty ( or future fixes ) handled, and that we get a roadmap to show us where the future of Glass is.  

I also assume this means that the Intel Glass won't be produced.
 
Sorry to restate but it seems the same question is being asked in many different manners. +Google Glass will you be updating the user community on what "we" can expect? Information use to flow internally but now the WSJ seems to be the golden boy. 
 
+Martin Bogomolni why do you assume the Intel Glass won't be produced? Latest I've read is that's what the next version will be. 
 
我经常在想,谷歌眼镜为什么不设计成电池、主板外置,眼镜只保留摄像头、显示器,主板可以放在兜里,通过数据线与眼镜相连,可以热插拔,线藏在衣服里,在眼镜脚处相连,露出的线可以设计成保安、特工FBI常用的耳机线。
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Thank god this crud is over. Always hated it. MAYBE Fadell can fix this, but at this point, I think it's just OVER.
 
+Kris Kitchen you graduated from Google[x]Labs what is your input on 2 comments up ^^^^^ (I see letters FBI) 
 
Glad to see Glass graduate from the Google X program, which shows that the concept is viable. Wondering what this means for us Explorers. There is plenty of VC money still left on the table - hoping Google will support buying more v2 iterations of Glass in perpetuity. Integrations with Intel on the horizon.
 
+Chara Kelley people will see what that want to see.... they are missing more than they can imagine. 
We are our own obstical, 
 
this is huge! so happy to see Glass is finally moving out of GoogleX and i'm incredibly excited for the future. i hope (by the end of the year) one day i can finally get my hands on this spectacular product :D
 
Since becoming a Google Explorer of +Google Glass and researching the community, I've come to see the "Project" as a continuous one: Glass wasnt a failure because we were (and some still are) willing participants of this experiment, and as such it is moving on to its next phase. I hope this next phase begins with a retrospective of the last two years, however, so that the past doesnt repeat itself. 

As +Google Glass graduates and moves forward, I hope members of the new division like +Becca Samson will be willing to look/listen/consider more heavily the cultural factors affecting(and effecting) Glass and other wearables, "adoption"--both inside Google and within the public--or allow/assist/hire passionate researchers like myself who are already looking at such things. The world is a large and complex place, and its our perceptions and attitudes which shape it. 

I, like so many others, look forward to the next steps Glass takes and hope to contribute to this grand experiment in whatever way I possibly can. 
 
+Tony Beddard​​ it is what you make it. I've had a great experience changing the world for the better with mine. Much like some people being put off by others wearing glass in public, it actually has zero to do with glass and 100% to do with the individual wearing them. If you think its a waste then it will be. If you feel like its amazing it can be. Glass is an extension of the individual, not a supplement for actual effort. Lol, what did you think beta meant? for the record I wear mine daily in.chicago, but also around the world, including the Caribbean and Europe. People are amazed by them and flock to try them out.
 
+DylRob15​​ your conjecture is entirely supposition. Glass half empy much? Do you even explore bro? (See what i did with my glass joke?)

All the naysayers will be continually ridiculed en masse and uber-publicly until they recede into the negativity from whence they came. I suggest becoming a grown up and also reading the terms you clicked yes to. Always said beta. Always said testing. Always said fixing bugs. Always continually improved. You dont have to like it, thats totally cool. But being a whiner about some shit you suppose is infantile. Know how I got all my followers? Not being a whiner for starters, and not acting entitled for seconds. #justsayin #glasshalffull
 
Change is inevitable. It's what makes me smile so much! btw... 1st versions tend to hold their value over time. I'm holding on to my "non-supported" hardware. 
 
+Google Glass - looking forward to seeing Glass 2. Please consider compatability with current frames for the sake of those of us that have splashed out on prescription varifocal lenses and sunGlasses?
 
It'd be great if you could deliver more and faster. There're developers and companies who tool a leap of faith with Glass. 
 
What are developers going to do know with our Google Glass? Are we going to see new SDK (GDK and Mirror) updates?? 
Is Google Glass project dead?
 
I found that Glass was a good proof of concept, but ultimately I feel it just isnt a socially acceptable device currently. There's a stigma attached to walking around with a camera on your head. People distrust you - well those who don't dismiss you as a hopeless geek :)

Since buying Glass soon after launch I have to say that it's perhaps the least used piece of wearable tech in my inventory. I use cardboard far more, and that's a fraction of the price! 

At least in a decade or so, the limited availability of these units may make them valuable for collectors :)
 
Ive yet to encounter any issue with social acceptance and I live in chicago. Again, its the individual, not the product. Its like Bluetooth headsets- some, not all people, are tools with them
 
What a bunch of marketing pablum ... Am I supposed to feel nostalgic about my deep relationship with +Google Glass? Google should have been a lot more transparent about this #GlassExplorer  program. 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141112081624-1940197-shattered-glass-the-thrill-is-gone?trk=prof-post
 
Hopes of developing apps for glass shattered.Sad news from Google.
 
"Although Google can congratulate itself on effectively crowd-funding the development of its latest gadget, the demographics of its Explorer program and the blowback from its unfocused marketing strategy indicate a singular failure to engage the public imagination... Had Google confined its Explorers beta-test to a handful of industries in which Glass could have the greatest impact -- medical science, empowering the disabled, law enforcement, workplace innovation, professional sports, and the performing arts come to mind -- it might have avoided much of the negative press and paved the way for a less turbulent commercial launch." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carla-escoda/dances-with-google-glass_b_5663708.html
 
and today I heard I will never even get to get one. no more google glass.
 
While it may sound nice that you are moving to a new team and out of Google[X], it's not very reassuring to hear the development has halted.
 
+Mike Davis not sure I would read the changes as development is halted? Why create new division if development is halted?
 
Can't wait to see what you talented people come up with! Wish you guys much success in making this product what you dream of. :) 
 
Gosh why do I feel as if my #Glass  team just broke up with me? As an original #GoogleGlassExplorer  I have enjoyed this ride. The trip to the NY office was great and the #GlassGuides  have been very supportive and helpful.  What does the future hold for #GoogleGlass  I wonder!!!
Leon M
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I've used Glass mostly for cycling, and got hit with  #foilfailure  after about six months in mild temperatures, indoors. That lead me to research the manufacturing of mirrors (quite interesting). The one thing going through my mind now that I've got two months warranty left on the replacement is, "How do I protect this mirror?"

On many small vanity mirrors, there is a protective paint that keeps the silver coating from peeling/scraping off.  I wonder if something as simple as car paint or nail polish would prevent the bubbling. I'm tempted to paint some glass with car paint quality paint and subject it to all the liquids, heating and cooling I can imagine to see if it bubbles or flakes.  I hope the new version of +Google Glass is more affordable and more robust against temperature changes and liquids.
 
in 1985, I was sitting in my office at Nabisco at 625 Madison Avenue in NYC where I was a marketing director on its imported beer business (yep, beer), and I had this box delivered. I tore it open - somewhat as the kid in Christmas Story tore open the envelope waiting for his Orphan Annie decoder or I in real life tore into the envelope that held my Captain Buzz Corey Space Patrol Glow-in-the-dark belt and brass rocket ship w/secret decoder buckle - and pulled out this cream-colored plastic box with a little screen, a funny little humped thing, and a keyboard.  Mind you, in 1985 there were no PC's and sitting next to me on my desk was this monster terminal green screen which let me see inventory of our beers (Moosehead, Foster's Lager, Dos Equis, Carlsberg, Pilsner Urquell, to name a few). I was a kid in a candy store and for the rest of the afternoon, it was love at first sight for this ungainly Macintosh 128. And yes, the rest of the office paraded in front of my office convinced I had finally gone off the deep end. After all, what was the value of a stupid little machine that no one had any use for. I wish I had my first Mac now. Just because it was my first and it was transformational. I didn't give a rat's ass what people thought.

I wish I had my decoder belt as well. At least I still have my teddy bear. But you know what? I'll always have my first Google Glass. I didn't and I don't care about the snickers, the snide comments, the SNL (very funny) skit. I was one of the first. And became one of the first trying it on for size in how it would impact my and other lives. So what if it didn't. It fueled thought, It fueled my inquisitive nature - at a then 67 when I was worried that maybe intellectual curiosity diminished with age.  It doesn't. In the 1970s and early 80s I worked for Dr. Land at Polaroid. Got to work on the introduction of the first sonar focusing camera. That I still have. It was and still is amazing. Sound ranging that in an instant, precisely focused your lens. Polaroid as I knew it is gone, but it reemerged as the Impossible Project for a new generation to see and share images on the spot with people you care about.  Sharing while holding an image in your hand is a lot more impactful and meaningful than looking at it on a screen.

So my Glass Explorer is being retired. I'm going to make sure it doesn't disappear. It is the future. So Google didn't get it quite right. So what. They gave me a chance to play around in their sandbox and in a couple of months I'll be 69. How many people do you think work for Google in R&D and new product development are in their late 60s? or 50s for that matter. This was a real opportunity.

Nor do I mind that I had to pay. I did get a little (OK a lot) frustrated with the drivel that filled my email box with wacko comments, but that was easy to fix. I wish there was a Dr. Land type person at Google in NYC who looked at some age demos, picked up the phone and asked if I'd like to come in to the Chelsea offices to walk around NY and see how Glass could become more functional, as Dr. Land did with his walks around Faneuil Hall. However, he was one of a kind, perhaps which is why Steve Jobs looked up to and admired him so. Google nor other high tech companies are interested in what 68-69 year olds think.

But what Google Glass made me think about is what underlayment is necessary for Glass, and that comes down to apps, and code. And here I am at 69 thinking, "what about if I do one last reinvention of myself. How about learning Ruby on Rails. Maybe writing code and apps for seniors by a senior.  You see, wearing Glass I did see some opportunities, like helping older drivers drive better - wearable Subaru Eyesight if you will. By the way, don't visualize some old guy caricature from a wise-ass greeting card with a walker. Last week I was skiing Vail - from the Summit with no one holding me up at the top, or at the bottom. 

In any case, I'd stand in the virtual line again for Glass 2. I was recently back to being a kid-in-waiting again when I was invited by Amazon to participate in their Echo launch. I'll be waiting at the "mailbox" to rip that package open too.

Thanks Google. You gave a lot of us an opportunity to see things differently without rose-colored filters.
 
so my foil is all bubbled up, am I screwed?
 
sooo sad...i'm 6 months away from a real job and now they're gone! was planning to buy a pair to use during surgery.. tragic..i hope they come back better!
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+Leon M I have had similar thoughts and wondered why a protective coating isn't on that foil already.
 
I'm sorta feeling screwed over.  But then, to be honest, I've felt screwed over for about 8 months.  My experience with Glass, which initially encouraged me to use more Google services, has actually turned into an anti-Google sentiment where I actively seek alternatives to Google products.

I'll concede that perhaps I was not Google's target demographic.  I work in IT Security where cameras are not allowed.  I work (and live) with others and talking to my glasses would disrupt others around me.  The battery life was abysmal, barely lasting 3 hours, less if I actually used it.

The constant negative press made Glass socially unacceptable.  The removal of the Twitter app was the start of the downward spiral.  And now the Explorer program is shut down with numerous competitors quickly catching up.  I suppose Google did inspire others to do better, if nothing else.

I don't doubt that Google can eventually take this out of beta.  However, I won't be paying for the privilege.
 
Sounds like someone should have thought through it more before buying. 
 
Maybe next at google(x) they'll work on hearables, for the blind...
 
who is the founder of the google glasses and may have his/her email so I can help you design a extreme products.
 
+Leon M Plz dude do not put liquid on the mirror :/ Glass support is still here 
 
台灣人有台灣獨立成功活命贏回來。
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Will these help you avoid the ugly truth about Guantanamo?
And the slide into totalitarianism? Everyone wears these, easier to dupe?
 
I'd still love to get ahold of one for an "adaptive aid" application. I'm visually impaired. The Augmented Reality application through image processing could be of extreme use to me. Something as simple as an edge enhancement filter projected back over a live image would make it much easier to navigate. Imagine the edges of sidewalks, streets, and doorways "glowing". Couple this with turn-by-turn navigation on-screen, and you would have a well rounded travel system for some of us folks with limited vision.
 
How to become a tester for the new glasses?
 
Can't wait to see what's next!
 
I tried google glass in May 2014 and loved it! I can't wait for the new product. Fingers crossed the price is user friendly.
 
Here is one suggestion/request. Can a discount buy back program be arranged for Explorers to upgrade to the new product? This might be a significant discount on the newest, latest hardware in exchange for the old product or with proof of purchase. This measure could help the new version start with a good size installed base and would continue the generosity Google has already shown to the early adopters.
 
Super exciting. Anyone find themselves not using their titanium frames they'd like to pass on? :)
 
+Cassius Wright
Well, your personal anecdote aside, I think the overall opinion, in the press, and even from a legal standpoint, was that they constituted an invasion of privacy. Nobody would know if you were recording or not - you're essentially walking around pointing a camera at everyone's face. From my own circle of friends, not one of them would use Glass in public (aside from feeling like a social pariah, or, you're walking around with £1000 of easily stolen tech on your head!)

I'd like Google to offer discounts to current Glass owners though - or early access to emulators and APIs - perhaps some way to upgrade the current Glass firmware for testing. Guess that's a long way off though!
 
We have a project that would be perfect for glass, but should one expect if we start to develop for explorer version that it later will work for the new? Is it a whole rework our just an improvement? The question is - wait with development or not?
 
I would like to know what I can do with my Google Glass that I bought 9 month ago for $1,500. Can I sell it back to Google? Or are you going to send all current Explorers an upgraded new Google Glass without additional costs? Thanks for letting us know.
 
Really wish I had the money to spare. I used it at a Glass event here in Boston and it was very exciting and cool. I almost pulled the trigger a few times but this stupid thing called responsibility had to interfere. Can't wait to see what is in store from the +Google Glass​​ folks. 
 
If I could muster the money, I'd buy into #GoogleGlass on Monday! Its been incredible having been able to borrow a fellow explorers glass unit for several days at a time and wish that I could have helped out more! Very excited to see glass v2.0 and if its cheaper, I'm all there! Thanks +Google Glass​ for allowing this incredible piece of tech to become a reality and the competition doesn't even come close!
 
I wear my #GoogleGlass  pretty much everywhere; I have never had a problem with people. The main thing I found was that using good judgment was key (don't try and wear it into a movie theater-duh). I got very positive response from people. I have hundreds of photographs for articles about +Google Glass; I will probably even still write some of them, simply because the promise and the potential of the tech is really amazing.

I expect that I will continue to wear and utilize #GoogleGlass till they no longer work and there is no more support. I actually LIKE them. Yes, they look goofy; I still prefer looking out at the world than looking down at my phone.
 
Does this mean a left eye version is on the way?
 
I know the +Google Glass team knows I love them! But wanted to post that here too, thank you for all of your support during the Explorer program! What a fun ride! Just like Lisa above, I plan to wear my #googleglass  as long as I can! And thanks to +Teresa Zazenski and +Becca Samson for being awesome (hopefully you'll still be connected to the Glass program moving forward!)
 
I'm So Happy to be apart of a Program that Many was not able to be apart, but im more honored to say because of +ProjectGlass & +Google Glass I made an array of friends, and met people and got to be at the forefront of new Technology. I've been blessed to chat with  My Guide +Arthur Shtern face to face, or meet Wonderful and Intelligent individuals such as +Duyen Ha +Danielle Murdoch & +Becca Samson So this Commencement only means Bigger & better things for Glass. I don't mind how the Media is trying to crucify us either. it's okay they dont really know what their talking about.
 
Hey, what's up everyone? I'm a Brazilian teen developer, and I love so much the Google Glass, but I don't have an Glass here. I want to talk with everyone who are reading this message. I really need an Google Glass to work, to developing. Please, help me Google, help me guys. If you have two Glasses and want to help somebody to work, please give it to me, please contact me: mobilessam@gmail.com. I'll talk with you every week with Hangouts, when you give it to me. You'll giving the best thing in my life now. Google, I really need your help! Guys, I really need your help! I'm a serious guy, I really need it to work, please help me. Thank you so much, God bless you.
 
I've loved my little Explorer version Glass, despite its shortcomings - bubbling silver on change in temp/humidity, no left eye version - it's been a great way to promote community-building through new conversations with strangers.  Loved the camera and the automatic upload to the Google Cloud.  Thanks for all the fun, +Google Glass 
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Good, now can you make the Google Glass to be more affordable for the average consumer like $500 or less?
 
What were those barges supposed to sell then?
 
+Katie Clark that's so sweet of you!  I'm sad to see the Explorer Program ending, but I guess that had to happen at some point, right? I'm not going anywhere. It's way too exciting to see everyone focusing on the next versions of Glass. Guess I'm not ready to get off this ride just yet ;)
 
+Teresa Zazenski Hooray! Glad to hear that you'll still be Glass-connected :) And from a business perspective, I'm guessing it's SUPER exciting with the new changes and moving out of [x] - we're excited for you!
 
Google Glass is extremely creepy in my opinion. It's intrusive which is why it's banned in our local bars and restaurants. One tends not to want to interact with people wearing them, as they may be recording everything. The ladies are particularly creeped out when some guy wearing glass is looking "not" at their face but elsewhere. Like an electronic peeping tom. A tool for perverts. 
 
It was a great experiment and I am proud to be a small part of the Google(x) project that brought wearables out into the mainstream. 
 
I think its awful the way +Google Glass​ just made an announcement and killed off the program. No individual emails, no apologies, no roadmap for the future - and they try and appease the Explorers with a mug of hot choclate. I'm so glad I sold mine & got out when the getting was good. Really bad way to handle the shuttering +Google I don't think you handled the program well at all. #DontBeEvil I hope you enjoy the caviar & champagne +Sergey Brinhttp://www.vanityfair.com/society/2014/04/sergey-brin-amanda-rosenberg-affair
 
+Bruce Burke they aren't shuttering the development just stopping new sales to individuals of the beta hardware while they work on the consumer version under the Nest VP leadership. Industrial developers can still get hardware in quantity to work on new glassware use case. 
 
The mug of hot chocolate was for the #throughglass2014 images not for being an explorer. Glass was what we got for being an explorer.
 
+Bruce Burke​, I can empathize with you on that, but I feel a lot of people don't feel the same way. As with everything in life, whether it be a beta product,(glass) something important,(your job) or something life changing,(a relationship) ups and downs will happen and everyone handles it differently. For you, it lost the wow factor and you walked. That's entirely agreeable in my opinion. For others, the excitement lasted and they found ways to implement glass into their lives and never looked back. For me, I like to view it almost as a sort of social experiment that we've been able to witness and be a part of. Some of the tremendous friendships I've seen formed by the Explorer program has made it entirely worth it to me, and I'm sure some others would agree. The ups were fun and the downs were irritating, but all in all you can't say it wasn't fun while that excitement lasted, right? 
 
Do you think someday my Glass Explorer will be a collectors item?
 
+Michael Interbartolo​ why would anyone want to invest in a large quantity of a hardware platform that will be better in just a few short months? We'll have to agree to disagree on this one. I don't see why anyone would opt to select a hardware platform that's going to change for the better. No quantity discount would make this a good deal. 
 
If that's the case no one could invest in anything, computer, television, telephone. Everything is replaced by a superior version, one could argue that glass made it longer than a phone would.
 
+Bruce Burke because if you were a good developer you would be hardware agnostic and be able to build on the base android and adapt to new features as they are added just like developers do with smartphone apps that add new hardware specs all the time.
 
Wahoo!!! I heard so many rumors that Glass will be dead forever! I'm loving mine... Just made a few custom APS so pass on the new stuff asap so we can all update and get the latest and greatest wearable that ever was or will be!
 
Cool, how was it when you tried it on to compare them +Brian Mccarthy​​? I assume you got to use both devices for an extended period of time, enough time to form a educated opinion, and you aren't just blindly imagining what the tech will be like.
 
+Eddie Daniels​ A smart arse question doesn't hide the fact that glass has been superceded in a spectacular way. I'm not a pro Microsoft anti Google person, I love my Android phone and Nexus tablet, but as regards glass it's just the way it is. I think Google knows it too. People don't like the intrusive nature of glass, it's banned in our local bars and restaurants, you can't drive wearing it and can't wear it in the cinema. That leaves one option, wearing it at home. So when you compare the two technologies, glass is stone age. I am very sure that Google will come up with a great answer to this, but just stating my opinion that the usefulness of that product has been superceded . 
 
+Brian Mccarthy​ I have tried on the odg glasses that the hololens is supposedly based on and they arent made for walking around with unless ms made some mods to the lens cause I found the split frosted/clear glass to be a big distraction and they were also tight and heavy on my head.
 
+Michael Interbartolo​ Yes, but they're not designed for walking on the street. Plus I'm sure there will be improvement and modification before final release. As I said Android is number one for me but glass didn't have any function other than a phone on your face, and I couldn't see any benefit or reason to buy it. This however I would buy. For outside wearable, I think the watches are the way to go. Just my opinion.. ☺
 
+Michael Interbartolo But that's not the case. You can see your normal surroundings but holograms are superimposed on those surroundings where you want them to be. You will still see your chair do you won't fall over it. You will still see your walls, doors and the floor. It's not a strong argument. You don't even necessarily need to walk around. You can be sitting and calling up your Skype, your contacts, even YouTube and TV channels. You can watch TV without even having a TV. You can interact with everything that's on your desktop, phone, tablet. This is a real revolution and a step up from all existing VR products. In the future I am sure this tech will not be everyday stuff, and those big headsets will inevitably get smaller and smaller as the tech progresses. It will be good for a lot of companies as it will really kick start the whole field. 
 
+Brian Mccarthy unless the ODG pricing dramatically drops with the MS version I think you might be in for a bit of sticker shock given current R6 glasses run $5K. and if you are just going to sit around watching youtube and tv I would rather a big screen than some headset. I think someone is getting all excited over a demo sizzle reel like folks did with the Google Glass day in the life 3 years ago.
 
Everyone is talking as if Google isn't going to ever do anything in this space again, Glass is dead! The explorer program coming to an end does not mean Google just threw everything out, it means the explorer program is over, not glass. People are now jumping on the glass is dead bandwagon for attention and views. I will not acknowledge anyone or any site from this point forward and continue to enjoy glass until the next big thing comes out, then I'll enjoy that.
 
+Michael Interbartolo Actually I have a friend in Microsoft and no price is set but will be sub 500 USD. It will be more expensive that Samsung Gear VR which is around 200 or 250 USD but will be affordable for most. 
 
+Eddie Daniels​ I agree. Google Glass as is right now is finishing but they will definitely come up with something better. After all this was a test program that was always going to end at some point. Maybe Google even had an idea what Microsoft were about to come up with and decided to call it a day and move on. It is great that Google are doing all this, it's been the major driver of new technology up to now and I'm sure it will continue. When you see what they are doing, and the best Apple innovation this year will be a watch, you can see how far Google is ahead. Please don't think I am being too critical, I am a big Google fan! It's just my feeling about this particular product. 
 
Its dead now no one believe that end customers will ever get a final product . But Microsoft is working now on holo lens, i think that product will Come before glass. Hope that Google will make Some apps for lens. 
 
Hololens is sit down and watch stuff/do stuff like occulus rift while glass is a mobile wearable information when you need it. Apple and oranges in my opinion.
 
+Michael Interbartolo​ I always imagine glass will be good in some situations. Law enforcement, earthquake situations, search and rescue, military etc. But the geeky look turns people off wearing them and makes those who interact with glass wearers feel conscious of the fact they may be recorded and their privacy unknowingly compromised. The legal restrictions on top of that will make it very difficult for this to become a mass consumer product, but specialist use?, Yes sure. For me a phone and a watch as a wearable is a better option, you have everything you need and you're not making people feel uncomfortable. If you go into a bar or restaurant they'll ask you to remove them as it disturbs other customers. Already there are state laws against driving with them. All these negatives point to a lower when it comes to consumers. People think they look stupid, however I don't agree as I think they look quite cool! but if I was having a meeting or conversation with you Michael and you were wearing this I would ask you to remove them. And that's not good. Google will have some great inventions, and something better will grow out of glass 
 
+Brian Mccarthy 20 months with glass only one person asked me to take it off. Bars, movie theaters and restaurants no issues.everyone pretty much enthusiastic it about and asking for demos. how long have you had glass to make your conclusions or you just going by kneejerk reactions and tech pundit bloviating as your data?
 
For those worried about Foil issues and such -- I called in an issue with my Glass, and they are still replacing them.   
 
All of this Evilness from Bruce I dont get it!
 
+Michael Interbartolo This is just my feelings about someone wearing glass. I work in a large tech company and just about everyone feels the same way. What would be a plus for whatever comes next, would be a small LED that would indicate if a glass wearer is recording video or not, people will see immediately and will feel more comfortable with it. What do you think of that idea? I think people generally need to feel their privacy isn't being compromised. This could be the answer to that issue. 
 
+Michael Interbartolo​​​ The other thing to worry about is the legal situation. I have seen Google Glass videos made while walking down a street on the Web. You can clearly see peoples faces and they are not aware they are being recorded. So imagine if you record a woman and a man on the street holding hands or another type of a romantic situation but they're both married to someone else and then it appears on the Net? The other spouses see it, divorce proceedings begin*☺, and then you are sued for illegally recording someone and breaching their privacy. We already know that Google has got into trouble legally with their roving Google mapping cameras. Only this time it will be the glass wearer who will face prosecution. Even if nothing is going on, I've just watched a short video of a street view and if any of those people see themselves recorded secretly they are entitled to take a legal case against the person recording. If you don't ask people, "hey everyone I am recording you all, is that OK?", you are potentially opening yourself up to litigation. 
 
+Brian Mccarthy​ walking down a public street no one has expectation of privacy. $35 spy pen, caught in the background of person taking picture of their kids or ending up in the kiss can at a sports game all would result in the same divorce and no legal standing. Nobody recording with their phone yells i am recording to a crowd. Glass doesn't have a battery to record 24/7 and there is no led on memeto a little square dongle you clip to your shirt that takes a picture every 30sec automatically. So you need to temper your paranoia and thoughts of public privacy entitlement.
 
Hello all
Emerging disruptive technology always creates chaos as it invites change.  I am disappointed that Explorers were asked to pay 1600.00 and now Google is unclear what type of support or future this tool in my hand currently has.  With all projects-communication and transparency are imperative to goodwill of the team.
For me, I was perched on the edge of a graduate research project and now am left hanging. It is frustrating and I feel abandoned.  My wish is that the original Explorers are gifted with the next layer of Glass technology if there is one. Please advise where we will go for support now?
 
Same place we have always gone for support... 1-844-GLASS-84, or via the support form on the support site.   
 
+Zeev Kirsh
Nice post. I a little more cynical than me but probably close to the truth. Hopefully we'll both be proved wrong by Glass V2 appearing within 18 months. What's saddest to me is that Google have listened to just the people they shouldn't have and didn't have the confidence to continue with their public development. If they'd released Glass for say, $500, it would have sold in the hundreds of thousands and each iteration would have moved them on. Still, they've certainly proved to me that Glass has legs and is a really useful device, so I know it wont die long run.
 
I can't wait until I can walk around in any country in the world and be literate because Glass is using Google translate Word Lens to translate on the fly.
 
It's been fun learning and using my Glass. Keep up the good work. I'm still along for the ride!
 
+Google Glass​  very easy to fix almost every problem with G Glasses:
1) don't make a stand alone device (very hard to manage by voice or hands, practically very poor results), GG should be a gadget to a phone
2) just make a phone "send to glass" feature (navigation, hangout, guide, picture, video, website etc., everything possible)
3) don't use so non-smart material design with wasting space and poor ergonomics = slow or almost impossible managing (Android is also worse and less ergonomic)
4) just a few basic features should be autonomous ("call to", "pause", "play" etc.)
5) target professionals and a little geeky persons and you get the money fast, DO NOT TARGET THE MASSES, they will slam you every-time just "because" they need everything "simple and easy" which means almost useless and very very slow managing with a lack of ergonomics for such the money (also a big Google Wear problem)
 
+Brian Mccarthy
What the fuck do cctv cameras on every street corner do 24/7 ? Don't be so paranoid. Of course they can't sue you and if that were the case every cctv camera in the world would have to be turned off.
 
+Brian Mccarthy that would be true ..... if your in Germany ...... Public means Public better go Private with holding married people's hands in Public 
 
my name is jacob how can i get a google glass pease tell me or send to my gmail how jacobl2145@gmail.com 
 
I love my glass and still do. I use it constantly, it has played longer than many of my phones have, and for $1500 I got my money's worth. Just so all the complaining and keep using your glass. Apps going away like Twitter? Big deal. 95% of the time I am wearing mine its always when my hands are both busy working, I need information, and it's "Ok glass, Google, find me the technical manual for an HP Proliant ML350 Gen8 server". Having basically the knowledge of Google at your beckon call at all times in such an easy fashion is what drew me to glass from the start. Enjoy it for what it is, and you will not be disappointed. 
 
i have been following your webpages ive really wanted google glass since it came out but big known fact they dont sell them where i live in roswell nm can anyone tell me how i can get my hands on one ive been more then ready to get one but i cant just take a trip to new york so can anyone tell me what i can do to get one 
 
They've been attached to my face for almost two years. Emails, texts, directions, and pictures are right at my eye. I find myself lost when the battery dies.
 
Lol lucky I would love to get one
 
+Mike G your a dick bro id like to see you say that to my face punk
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