Google has announced that some of the invitations it sent out for its Glass Explorer test group will be revoked because not all accepted applicants meet the terms of the contest.
The company put out a call for applications in February, allowing Google+ and Twitter users to express interest in the program with the #ifihadglass hashtag. Not since Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket had a promotion been this titillating.
Earlier on Wednesday, Google began notifying winners. It’s worth noting, though, that Glass Explorers have only won the right to purchase a prototype of the digital eyewear, which will set them back $1,500, so they’re not exactly getting a free ride. They will have pretty solid bragging rights, though, when they show up to parties wearing Google Glass. Explorers will need to travel to New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles to pick up the device.
However, the Glass Explorer program had terms that would need to be met in order to qualify. Eligible Explorers would need to be at least 18 when they submitted their applications and live within the US. Employees of Google and its partners, as well as their family members, were also ineligible.
A Google+ post regarding the matter notes:
With #ifihadglass we set out to find a truly diverse group of Explorers, and that’s certainly what we’ve gotten. We need honest feedback from people who are not only enthralled and excited by Glass, but also people who are skeptical and critical of it. That said, it’s become clear that a few applications that don’t comply with our terms have slipped through the cracks, and we’re going to have to disqualify applications like these. As for the rest of you, please keep that feedback coming — it’s all in the Explorer program spirit!
While it will be greatly disappointing to some not to receive Glass, rules are rules. Looks like they’ll have to wait in line with everyone else to buy the device.
When we perused a random batch of Glass Explorer winners on Twitter earlier today, we did come across a few that didn’t seem to meet the age limit for the program.
Based on our limited sample size, Google did actually pick a fairly diverse group for its pilot. Follower count didn’t seem to make a difference to Google. Among 25 tweets we logged, Huffington Post Executive Tech Editor Bianca Bosker came up as the most-followed recipient with 11,201 followers, while one user accepted into the program had just 13 followers.
Google also wasn’t too picky about responses. While there were several thoughtful or interesting ideas about what applicants would do if they had a Glass, some responses were fairly meaningless. For instance, one Twitter user said he would “show people the advancement of technology”, while another said she would show people her world.
Related: Crime, lying and the story of your life: How will the new wave of wearable tech transform society?
Header image credit: AFP / Getty Images
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