Google Glass Available: Get Smartglasses By Invitation

Google Glass may be available sooner than you think. According to the Los Angeles Times, if one of your friends has a pair, you could be getting a pair today! The tech company today announced that current Google Glass users, called "Glass Explorers" wil be able to invite three of their friends to purchase one of the $1,500 high-tech devices. Google has not released the Glass to the general public, however, this new move would indicate that the gadget could be available for general purchase soon: possibly even early next year. People who receive an invitation from a Glass-friend can buy themselves a pair online by visiting Google itself.

Google Glass was one of the most remarkable devices released this year. The gadget displays data, photos and video on a small screen in the upper-right lense. It essentially frees you from your computer and brings the digital world right before your eyes. The device also responds to voice commands: with 'Okay Google' you can take a picture, call a friend, find a destination or record an event without ever having to use your hands. However, Google has been careful about the launch of this product, only releasing 8,000 versions to selected users with strict rules: "You may not resell, loan, transfer, or give your device to any other person. If you resell, loan, transfer, or give your device to any other person without Google's authorization, Google reserves the right to deactivate the device, and neither you nor the unauthorized person using the device will be entitled to any refund, product support, or product warranty."

While this release will surely carry similar restrictions, Google is encouraging people to share. "We're counting on you to get Glass to the people you think will make great Explorers," the company said on Google+. "More Explorers means more feedback, and more feedback means better Glass." The company is also allowing current users to exchange their current Glass device for an upgraded model - at no extra cost. These will come with a mono ear bud so users can hear directly into their ears rather than through vibrations.