 Yesterday's launch of Google's "If I Had Glass" program stirred new excitement around the wearable computer, despite its hefty $1,500 price tag and the requirement that would-be purchasers essentially apply for the right to buy the device. But one hurdle that has been repeatedly mentioned by those examining its mainstream potential is the notion that the glasses aren't necessarily for the stylish and look a bit too much like a next-generation pocket protector. But according to a new report, Google is working on a partnership with eyeglass startup Warby Parker to address this perceived style shortcoming. Citing sources briefed on the negotiations, the New York Times reported that Google is working on a deal with New York-based Warby Parker that would allow the upstart glasses company to "help [Google] design more fashionable frames." Launched in 2010, Warby Parker is considered by many as a tech startup because, although the brand has showrooms around the country, the company only conducts sales online and offers a unique system that allows customers to virtually try on glasses. Google first hinted that it had an interest in making Glass appear more fashionable last year when the company teamed up with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, equipping her runway models with multi-colored versions of the device. Furstenberg also produced a short documentary using Glass to show off what a style icon's life looks like from behind the lens of Glass. But if there are major reservations from early adopters regarding the current form factor of Glass they have yet to become apparent. Following yesterday's announcement, hundreds of people rushed online to log their public bids to purchase the device. But if you happen to be among those clamoring for the device, you may have to wait your turn as a number of high profile would-be users have already put in their requests via the "IfIHadGlass" hashtag on Twitter. Actor Neil Patrick Harris, for example, wrote, "IfIHadGlass I'd show what it's like to act on the set of [How I Met Your Mother] all day!" Rocker Matisyahu promised, "IfIHadGlass I'd use them to film a stage dive from my view," while fellow musician Imogen Heap wrote, "IfIHadGlass I'd hook them up w/my gloves to help me navigate music making in 3D." Politician Newt Gingrich even weighed in by taking a poke at a CNN host, writing, "IfIHadGlass I could get Piers Morgan to see my point of view." From the tech community, Foursquare founder Dennis Crowley used the opportunity to suggest a possible tie-up, writing, "IfIHadGlass I'd bring the 'see thru walls' / 'see around corners' superpowers that come from Foursquare check-ins to your face." But the most interesting note from the tech community came from someone at Twitter itself. Engineer Sean Cook wrote, "IfIHadGlass I'd use it to remind you that you had to run your contest on Twitter." For the record, Google's application process is also being run on Google+.  via Technology - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGllZ8eEeT0cWEEipirQKCNvSvQiA&url=http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2415683,00.asp | |||
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Thursday, 21 February 2013
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