Written by Hana Hyman
Photo from My Android Chief
Google Glass’s tagline is “getting technology out of the way.” As a product worn on the user’s face, aesthetic appeal goes a long way for consumers. On January 28—almost a year after Glass’s debut—Google introduced new frame and shade styles.
These new styles are interchangeable and can be added onto Glass’s original model. The four new frames, according to Google, are “feather-light” and can be used with or without prescription lenses. They only require a bit of screwdriver action to swap out. The three new shades, created by Maui Jim and Zeal Optics, slide into place with just a twist. The shades also provide polarized, impact resistant lenses—useful for the Google Glass Explorer program.
Originally, Google used the Explorer program to invite innovators to give Glass a whirl, as a way of gathering research and introducing the product to the marketplace. Those chosen to participate had the opportunity to purchase the Explorer Edition Glass for $1,500. However, on April 15, Glass became available in the U.S. for just a single day, allowing anyone who managed to order the device online to become an Explorer.
In an attempt to touch-up Glass’s reputation—previously blemished with privacy concerns—Google advised early adopters not to be “Glassholes.” This derogatory term, rapidly spreading through Internet culture, describes someone who misuses Glass by being “creepy or rude.” In fact, there is a full Glass List that explains the do’s and don’ts of the product.
In March, Google announced its partnership with the world’s largest eye wear company, Luxottica. The Italian eye wear group declared €7.3 billion in net sales last year. According to Forbes, Luxottica controls more than 80% of the world’s major eye wear brands, including Ray-Ban and Oakley. Luxottica also holds license agreements to market designer brands such as Prada, Chanel, Armani and more.
Andrea Guerra, Chief Executive Officer of Luxottica Group, said this of the collaboration:
“We live in a world where technological innovation has dramatically changed the way in which we communicate and interact in everything that we do. More importantly, we have come to a point where we now have both a technology push and a consumer pull for wearable technology products and applications. … We believe that a strategic partnership with a leading player like Google is the ideal platform for developing a new way forward in our industry and answering the evolving needs of consumers on a global scale. We believe it is high time to combine the unique expertise, deep knowledge and quality of our Group with the cutting edge technology expertise of Google and give birth to a new generation of revolutionary devices.”
Third-year visual effects major and Glass Explorer Michael McMullan from Kennesaw, Ga. provided some first-hand insight into the experiences of an early adopter. McMullan was “part of the wait list for Glass from the moment the wait list was opened up to potential explorers.” Thanks to the latest development in Glass styles, McMullan said he feels the device is “a lot more customizable now.”
“Originally, the only customization was the color, and while I liked that, I felt as if I could get tired of a certain color over time, so I got something neutral,” McMullan said. “You can always customize on the software side, but that’s mostly just for you to see. Everyone else sees the colors, frames, and shades.”
McMullan said the partnership with Luxottica will bring Glass “into the mainstream.”
“Many still see it as that geeky styled wearable,” said McMullan, “but partnering with these kinds of businesses should help people see a more mainstream style that will be accepted by more people.”
As the forerunners for smart eye wear, all eyes are on Google and Luxottica as they join forces to bring us the latest in wearable technology.
