Google is letting a larger segment of the public test its futuristic eyeglasses.
On Wednesday, Google said it was accepting applications for people who wanted to try the glasses, which had previously been available only to software developers who signed up for them at Google’s developer’s conference last year.
Google also released a few details about the glasses, which it calls Google Glass, some f which it had already publicized. They can take pictures or record video hands-free, show walking directions, search the Web and send messages by voice, offer translations and show alerts like a flight delay.
People who want a pair of the glasses before they are publicly available must apply by Feb. 27 by writing a post on Google Plus or Twitter of 50 words or fewer with the hashtag #ifihadglass. Applicants can include photos or video and an explanation of what they might do with the glasses.
“We’re looking for bold, creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass,†the company posted on Google Plus.
Those chosen by Google’s judges must pay $1,500 for the glasses and attend a pick-up event in New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles.
In a video release! d Wednesday, Google offered some of its own ideas about what to do with the glasses. A ballerina could stream live video behind the scenes and onstage, a tourist in Thailand could ask Google to translate “delicious†while eating noodles on a boat or a family could video chat with a long-distance relative on her birthday.
