Google Glass News: Why Are First Users Forbidden From Selling Their Devices?

Be warned: Google Glass will self-distruct if sold.

That is the message the search engine has given to its 8,000 explorers -- first users chosen to run a test in the innovative device --: if you give away the device, Google will deactivate it.

The law came to light when one of the explorers tried to sell his Glass on eBay. He did not realize he was not allowed, until he was informed by other members through their group on Google+. "People were acting as if I had done something sacrilegious," he said.

Google sent out a statement with the rule, spelling it like this:

"Unless otherwise authorized by Google, you may only purchase one Device, and 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."

Google Glass is the newest development in portable tech, a computer eyewear worth $1,500. If it takes off, it will revolutionize the market of smartphones as once did the iPhone.

"This is going to be part of people's everyday activity, and now we are starting down this path that is going to be completely controlled," said Corynne McSherry, intellectual property coordinator at Electronic Frontier Foundation.

As it seems, buyers don't really own much of the device they are using -- it is essentially rented under strict agreements that have withstood judicial scrutiny.

Welcome to New World.