Google reopens invitation process for buying its smartglasses

Google is once again letting consumers apply to purchase Google Glass eyewear.

After closing the invitation process earlier this year, the Internet search giant announced last month that the first batch of Glass users could send invitations to up to three of their friends so that they can purchase Google’s $1,500 smartglasses.

But Google has now posted a Web page where consumers can apply for an invitation regardless of whether they’ve been invited by a Glass owner.

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“We’re expanding The Explorer Program little by little, and experimenting with different ways of bringing new Explorers into the program,” the company says on the application.

On the page, Google asks users for their names, email addresses, why they want to own Glass and how they would stay involved with the early-user program.

Currently, the application form is the only way to get an invitation to buy Google Glass if you don’t know someone who owns the device. But simply applying won’t guarantee that you’ll be selected.

“We’ll let you know if a spot opens up,” the company says on the page. “Please note that, while we’d like to invite everyone, we can’t guarantee invites right now.”

Google is expected to officially launch Glass to the public sometime next year.

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