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If you’ve been following our Google Glass coverage ever since we received the device last Wednesday, chances are you noticed that, in all the excitement, we forgot to give you guys a proper unboxing. This is unacceptable, and I am here to set things straight. This past weekend, it was finally my turn to pick up my very own Google Glass headset and while we’re working hard to bring you guys a full in-depth review on the Glass Explorer Edition, here’s a quick unboxing while you wait.
It’s plain to see that Google takes a lot of pride in their presentation. Softtouch literally covers almost every inch of the packaging, keeping a clean, minimal, black and white design throughout. There’s almost no print along the outside of the box. You have Glass on top, XE for “Explorer Edition” on the front, and on the back, a sticker letting you know what’s inside. There’s no spec rundown, features list — nothing to prepare you for what lies inside.
Before I jump right into the unboxing, I figured I’d let you guys see what came in my goodie bag. Besides the Glass box, I also received a pair of clip-on sun shades, along with some clear ones (possibly for biking and/or… construction, maybe?). You can find XE branded on the back of the clip-on portion of the shades. A nice touch that keeps the accessory from feeling generic.
Okay, back to Glass. Inside the Google Glass box you’re first presented with Glass, hidden behind some parchment paper. Removing said papers makes for a satisfying “Ssssskt!” sound when removed. Glass is nestled on some cardboard with some quick bullet points directed to all the hardware features. A small tab is on the cardboard as well, to remove and gain access to the rest of the accessories.
Underneath, is a premium feeling carrying case “Designed by Google, made in China.” Glass is branded very subtly on one side towards the bottom. Speaking of the bottom portion, there’s a hard plastic shell inside between the cloth material at the bottom of the sack used to keep Glass safe during transport. The top of the sack has a drawstring to keep anything from falling out.
Underneath the cloth bag you’ll find the everything else. Google provided a super nice flat micro USB charging cable, specifically designed for Glass so that the device can lay down flat on a desk while charging (you can use a regular USB cable, but the Glass will lay awkwardly to one side). The USB charger provided has a 1A output and, like everything else, has been coated in soft touch finish, featuring a 2-tone color scheme (same as the micro USB). This is a visual cue used so that there’s no guess work when placing the USB into the charger — just line up the colors and you’ll nail it every time.
Last, there’s a handy FAQ answering commonly asked questions like “Is Glass indestructible?” and “Can I use Glass while operating a jackhammer?” Ha. Along with the FAQ are 2 pairs of extra nose cushions should you lose the ones already attached to Glass. Well, folks. That’s about it. Google has definitely put a lot of time, effort, and attention to detail into simply the presentation for Glass. You can tell this is their baby, and I’m expecting great things for the device in the future. We just posted a day in the life of our developer Steve Albright. Tomorrow Rob Jackson will be giving initial impressions and on Wednesday, I’ll have my shot. Don’t forget our full review is coming fast down the pipeline, so stay tuned for that.
With the clear lenses would you be able to take them to like lens crafters and get your prescription on them? o.O
Hmmmmm… I don’t own glasses (so I don’t know how what goes on in stores) but it seems like they could custom fit some lenses to replace the clear ones, right?
I remember one of the press releases stated the device can be manually removed from the current frames, and attached to another set, albeit tinkering required.
This seems like the kind of thing that would need a dock….
For this price, Qi charging should have been included.
The problem I have with this is that I wear prescription glasses… so at this point there pointless to use when they come out.
apparently, you can detach the device from the current set of frames, and install onto your own frames. (DIY required)
Also, check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBrbVaY99kA
Dude is wearing both at the same time, and it doesn’t even look awkward.
i guess i could never use glass since i’m pretty much deaf in my right ear.
Glass uses bone induction so perhaps that wouldn’t even be a problem. Honestly not sure about that but thought it might be worth mentioning.
If the price is right I’ll buy !
Clear lenses: I have to wear safety glasses at work (manufacturing), so those would be perfect, also possibly shooting (guns that is) and other tasks that normally require safety glasses (and would provide a cool glass angle of)
or just not looking weird, it’s just my glasses not some futuristic visor type device …
Ok, you have me sold on the shades. Now I must have a pair!
Congrats for even qualifying to get these glasses. I like your article. But I’ve also read too many problems about Google glass. So I’m still going to pass.
tinyurl.com/cnaff79.