Next week, anyone in the United States will have the chance to become a Google Glass Explorer, but only for a brief time.
Google announced a plan on Thursday to expand its Explorer program with a special one-day promotion allowing anyone in the U.S. to purchase Google Glass. The device is not yet commercially available; the official retail release of Google Glass is expected to come later this year.
"Every day, we get requests from those of you who haven’t found a way into the program yet, and we want your feedback too," Google wrote in a blog post. "So in typical Explorer Program fashion, we’re trying something new."
The offer, which will begin on April 15 at 6 a.m. ET, includes a free set of frames or shades. People can sign up now to receive a reminder when Glass is officially available.
The news comes hours after rumors of the proposed expansion first surfaced on The Verge, which published a slide, reportedly from an internal Google presentation, detailing the company's plans. The Verge reported the public availability would last about one day.
Google said spots in the program are limited but did not reveal exactly how many people might be able to join the Explorer program.
IMAGE: FLICKR, TED EYTAN