Google Glass is now in official beta and banking on techies' interest and their cash to drive product insight.
You have to hand it to Google. Now only have they redefined Internet search, they're redefining the definition what constitutes a tech beta program. In the old days a tech player would softly launch a new product, hand it off to some customers and ask for feedback. Like how Google deployed its initial Gmail: they sent limited invites to people and it became a coveted accomplishment to say you were one of the first to try the email tech.
Now Google wants you to pony up some cash to participate in its latest beta featuring Google Glass. It has re-opened the Glass storefront for U.S. Glass enthusiasts to buy a pair for $1500 as part of its 'beta' effort. Google held a one-day sale in April and the response was reportedly robust.
In its blog post announcing the beta efforts Google asks the public to help "shape the future of Glass" and become an Explorer (beta user).
There's been lots of debate in the past two weeks on the price however. A report claims it costs Google under $200 to make a pair of Glass. Google has claimed that claim is off base. But the pricing is curious as Google clearly isn't looking to make money off Glass at this point given that $1,000 a pair isn't going to make a dent in its revenues and it likely doesn't need the money for research.
But what's much more curious is why Google is asking potential customers to pay for the right to be a beta user. It can certainly afford to dole out a few thousand, even tens of thousands, of pairs with a stipulation that users provide feedback and insight on the device.
In the meantime rumors are building that Samsung is prepping its own Glass product and supposedly it's coming to market by September. It'll be curious if Samsung does a beta and what price point it'll tag onto its device.
