Hasta La Gadget!

Some exciting news just popped up in our inbox about the increasingly popular and coveted Google Glass. Word has swirled for a little while now that the wearable devices could start shipping in the next month, and we’ve just received word from Google that such rumors are reality. Not only that, but they teased us with some other details, including that some shipments may go out today.

Google Glass was unveiled at Google’s I/O in San Francisco about a year ago, and according to Google, those who pre-ordered (ahem) will see their device shipping in the very near future – perhaps even today. The annoucement came from Google straight to our inbox, and those who ordered the Explorer edition will be getting their own emails any time now.

Says Google, approximately 2,000 individuals pre-ordered Glass Explorer who are keen to get elbow deep into Project Glass development. What’s better, Google says that “the hardware and software are now ready for you.” Deciphering that slightly cryptic tease, it seems the software – which isn’t finalized yet – is up to par for developers to pick through.

Furthermore, Google says that quite a few pairs of Google Glass are coming off the production line today, saying, “we want to start delivering them to you now.” Which suggests that they’re shoveling some out to shipment today, but they didn’t come right out and say it. Regardless, shipments are going out in waves and those who pre-ordered won’t have to wait much longer. Are you excited? Because we are, to understate it a thousand times over.

[via Android Community]

Google Glass Explorer edition starts shipping today is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Developers will be getting their hands on their Google Glass Explorer Edition really soon. At the Google Ventures event today, Google stated that its going to be shipping Google Glasses to developers within the next month. It’s hoping to get the gadgets into the hands of developers before its major event of the year, Google Glass I/O, takes place. Google’s a bit off from its previous speculated ship date, but its better late than never.

According to our good friends at Android Community, Google is shipping Google Glass out to several developers who pre-ordered the gadget last year. These developers will hopefully be able to take part in the Glass Mirror API which will more than likely be released at Google I/O. Google I/O in general is speculated to mainly focus on Google Glass and getting developers excited for its release.

Also at the Google Ventures event today, Google Ventures partnered up with Andreessen Horowitz and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers to form the “Glass Collective”. The Glass Collective is an investment syndicate that will provide the funding that will help many hopeful entrepreneurs get started with their ideas surrounding Google Glass. If you’re one of those hopeful entrepreneurs, be sure to submit your ideas to the Glass Syndicate for a chance to make your ideas become a reality.

Google hopes to launch Google Glass by the end of this year. There have already been some great opposition against the gadget, and the price-tag may be a deterrent for many interested buyers. Nonetheless, Google Glass is a huge step forward in the world of technology, and it will revolutionize the way we search. Sergey Brin stated at a TED conference that Google Glass will help him realize the dream he had when he started Google. Be sure to check out our in-depth overview of Google Glass here.

[via TechCrunch]

Google Glass Explorer Edition to ship to developers next month is written by Brian Sin & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Last month, Google showed off Glass with a demonstration of its user interface at SXSW, giving attendees an in-depth look at the device and how it works. Pieces and parts of the demonstration were revealed in videos recorded by some who attendend, but the entire thing wasn’t available. Now Google has made the entire video available, which you can watch after the jump.

The video was posted on YouTube earlier today by Google’s “GoogleDevelopers” account, and it is quite the lengthy watch at just over 50 minutes long. If you’re looking to get as much info about the device as you can, this is certainly the place to start. We’ve covered the features in detail, but there’s nothing quite like watching them in action.

Last month, we covered the video demonstration in two pieces, the first of which covered some third-party apps and showed off things like taking a photograph, instantly translating English to Japanese, and checking the weather. You can read it here, then head over to part 2, where we cover Glass’s functionality with Gmail, Evernote, and Skitch. There are more goodies to be seen in the full video, so be sure to check it out.

A litte over a week ago, word surfaced that Google plans to manufactur Glass in California in a partnership with Foxconn, although nothing official was stated. The device, which is set for release later this year, will be available to those of us who wear prescription glasses, Google assured. Meanwhile, one lawmaker has already moved to ban the use of Glass while driving.

Google Glass SXSW video demonstration now available in its entirety is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

After letting people know that they owe Google $1500 for the honor of getting Google Glass early, Google busted the ol’ elementary school take back on them. Meaning, some of those “winners” won’t be able to get Google Glass because they’ve been disqualified by Google. I wonder who those people are. More »

With almost everything being made in China these days, it’s particularly rare when a company announces plan to manufacturer something in the good ‘ole US of A. However, Apple recently announced that they’re going to do that with some of their Macs, and today it’s being reported that Google will be manufacturing its Glass eyewear in the US.

According to The Financial Times, Google will manufacturer Google Glass in Silicon Valley in California. The search giant will be partnering with Foxconn to assemble the futuristic eyewear at a facility in Santa Clara, California. This is according to several sources familiar with the company’s plans.

If this turns out to be true, it would not only boost the reputation of Google, but it would hopefully encourage other electronics manufacturers to bring business back to the US from countries like China and Taiwan. It’s said that in the coming weeks, only a few thousand Google Glass units will roll off the assembly line.

However, it’s not said exactly how many employees the facility will hire, nor is it said whether or not the employees will consist of current Foxconn workers from China, or if the company will hire all-new staff for the Santa Clara facility. Of course, bringing over current Foxconn workers would completely negate the whole “made in America” initiative, but we don’t think Google would be that naive.

[via The Financial Times]

Google Glass reportedly being made in US is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.