Google Glass available to anyone in U.S. for one day only April 15

Save your money.

That’s my advice.

As one who shelled out $1,500 to be part of the Google Glass Explorer program for its controversial wearable tech glasses, I can say that once the novelty wears off, Glass just isn’t that exciting or useful.

That said, if you can’t stand being out of the loop, Google has announced that on April 15, for one day only, it will make Glass available to anyone in the U.S.

Here’s their official announcement:

“Any adult in the US can become an Explorer by visiting our site and purchasing Glass for $1500 + tax – and it now comes with your favorite shade or frame, thanks to feedback from our current Explorers. The number of spots available is limited, so mark your calendar if you want to get in. You can find us on Tuesday at: http://google.com/glass/start/how-to-get-one

Google has recently partnered with the makers of some of the world’s most popular frames – Ray Pan, Oakley and Vogue – but it is unlikely those will be part of the deal for the April 15 availability.

After that, only those invited into the Explorer program will once again be able to get Glass. Eventually, Glass will be released for full public availability, but no one knows just when.

Lots of people think Glass is too intrusive. They fear being videoed or photographed unknowingly. Several restaurants ban them outright. Google has reacted to the concerns by saying: “If someone wants to secretly record you, there are much, much better cameras out there than one you wear conspicuously on your face and that lights up every time you give a voice command or press a button,”

Google’s advice to users? Be discreet, ask permission to take photos and don’t be a “Glasshole.”

Glass connects to the Internet by wi-fi or cell phone and has a handful of apps that receive text messages and G-Mail, provide directions, suggest places to visit along your route and display maps. You can take a picture by blinking your right eye. Voice commands also work for posting to social media, recording video or stills and asking information, sort of like Apple’s Siri.

Battery life is horrendous, only a few hours.

After the initial novelty, I’ve mostly put it on a shelf. I’ve used Glass several times when traveling to do live Tweeting and Facebook posting for those who follow my RV Travel blog. But other than that, I can’t say I’ve fund any compelling reasons to wear it each day.

Truth told: Glass is just not that cool.