Google is working to find a broad market for its new computer-powered glasses, which aren't available in stores yet but could eventually hold prescription lenses, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Putting a small computer screen in front of the wearer's eyes, Google glasses hold a miniature computer that responds mostly to voice commands.
The Internet giant is looking at options to collaborate with an eyewear company to promote the device in optometry offices nationwide. Frames and lenses maker VSP Global is in talks with Google about a variety of designs to use with the Google Glass device, according to VSP Chief Executive Rob Lynch.
With a network of 30,000 eye doctors and 60 million enrolled in the company's plans, VSP would be a useful asset for Google.
"Down the road I think this technology is going to blow up," said Matt Alpert, an optometrist in Woodland Hills, Ca., a member of the VSP Global board and an early tester of Google Glass. "As soon as apps are developed that are relevant for your world, it will start to take off."
Right now the new device is mostly a coup for tech enthusiasts who want the latest product, but Google hopes eventually to reach beyond the device's "geeky" image.
"In its current form, it'll be more of a niche early adopter product," Alpert said.
With more than 150 million people in the United States who use some kind of corrective eyewear, the new device potentially has a lot more users. Google has been working on a version that would allow for prescription lenses.
The device would also be handy for search and rescue missions; for example, Glass could help leaders send information to firefighters at a disaster to direct them to a missing child, said tester Max Wood, chief of the volunteer fire department in Gray, Ga.
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