In April 2012, Google introduced Google Glass, augmented reality glasses. Now the time arrived to open the pre-orders for the first commercial version called Explorer Edition, at the cost already planned of $1,500. For common users it will take a long time before they can buy them, howver there’s the possibility to become an Explorer, meaning being part of a group of “pioneers” who will participate in the Google Glass launch events in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The Google Glass consist of a frame similar to that of normal glasses with a display near the right eye. This allows to have an online connection that’s literally always before our eyes with a variety of additional services specifically created for this product.

In June 2012, Google co-founder Sergey Brin provided a demonstration of Google Glass and now new web pages have been created for the launch of the product and to show its capabilities. In particular, by clicking on “How it Feels” you can watch a video that shows its use from the perspective of someone who’s wearing them.

Google’s initiative includes the possibility to become an Explorer, unfortunately limited to U.S.A. citizens, for the people who will be chosen among the 18+ years old ones who will write in no more than 50 words on Google+ or Twitter using the hashtag #ifihadglass what they’d do if they had Google Glass by February 27. A jury will select the most creative ideas and their authors will be invited to join the Explorers group that will have the  product before common users.

Google is still in the stage when it’s trying to attract developers who can create applications for Google Glass. It’s still unclear when they will be offered for sale for ordinary users but it’s likely that this will happen in 2014, therefore in a version more sophisticated than the one that will be given to the Explorers. In fact, it’s obvious that the product development will continue throughout 2013.

Meanwhile, there are already announcements of other similar projects from other technology giants such as Microsoft, Apple and others not to speak of the experiments for the creation of contact lenses with similar functions. After demonstrations that seem science fiction, 2014 could at last be the year when augmented reality will start becoming part of our daily life.

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