Google Glass (beta) is now on sale in the U.S.

Last month, Google offered a one-day opportunity for anyone to buy the beta edition of its wearable computer, Google Glass. Now, anyone in the United States can buy Google Glass.

In an announcement on Google+, the tech giant said it was "overwhelmed" by the response to the one-day sale. Google said it nearly ran out of inventory, but has since restocked and is ready to offer Google Glass to the general public (in the U.S.), with $1500 to spare, while supplies last.

But, to be clear, this is not the consumer version of Google Glass. It is an "open beta" run of the Glass Explorer program aimed to "help shape the future of Google Glass."

"Our hope is to bring Glass to new Explorers, like optometrists, sports lovers, online retailers, cooks and travelers, who (like you!) can get in early and help make Glass better as part of our open beta, ahead of a wider consumer launch," Google said in a Google+ post.

But, according to Forbes, it makes the most sense to be patient before buying a pair: "Google is offering what amounts to a really expensive beta program for an incomplete product. You're getting hardware that is likely to be quite inferior to the final shipping version and you're going to pay a lot more for it than whatever the final version costs."

Solid advice.

That's especially good advice considering a teardown of Glass, by IHS, estimated that parts and manufacturing costs were roughly $150. Google, of course, disagreed with the assessment. That's likely because the assesment doesn't take into account research and development costs. Still, Google employees have reportedly said that Glass would one day cost about the price of a smartphone.

But, if you just can't wait, you can purchase Google Glass here.

Photo: Google Glass screenshot

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