Google Glass Project Looking for a Few Great Testers

Google is expanding the user pool for its Glass wearable computer beyond the developer community to get more testers and collect input for the still-evolving project.

Google is expanding the nascent test project for its Glass eyewear-mounted computer by inviting interested applicants to submit proposals for a chance to buy an early model and become a part of its continuing development.

"We're looking for bold, creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass," Google wrote on a Web page that unveils new details about the project. "We're still in the early stages, and while we can't promise everything will be perfect, we can promise it will be exciting."

So far, Glass has only been available to developers who attended the annual Google I/O Conference in July 2012, where the devices were unveiled officially. Those developers were given the first chances to buy the first "Explorer Edition" units of the product for $1,500 each when they are offered for sale this year.

Now, though, Google is ready to expand the testing to the general public, with some conditions, according to the company. The biggest caveat is that participants who are chosen would first have to buy a set of Glass for $1,500 plus taxes.

"Using Google+ or Twitter, tell us what you would do if you had Glass, starting with the hashtag #ifihadglass," Google announced on the Web page. Applications must be 50 words or less and can include up to five photos and a short video of no more than 15 seconds in length. Applicants must also follow the project on Google+ or Twitter so that they can be contacted by Google if selected.

Participants also have to be at least 18 years old and live in the United States to get involved, according to Google.

The search giant will accept applications through Feb. 27, and selected participants will be contacted by the company. Devices will have to be picked up by participants in person at special pickup events held in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the program rules.

As part of the expanded testing program, Google also unveiled some cool new details about Glass through a brief video that explores some of its early capabilities.

Using Glass, users will be able to take a hands-free video by speaking to the unit and telling it to take a video, according to the presentation.