Google is trying to take some of the geek out of Google Glass by adding a little designer chic.
The company announced early Tuesday that well-known American fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg has helped it create a new collection of the the computerized eyeglasses that explorers can begin to buy on June 23 -- just days before the start of Google's annual developer conference, Google I/O.
"In 2012, we gave you an insider's view of [von Furstenberg's] Spring 2013 runway show [through Google Glass]," the Google Glass team wrote in a blog post. "We're honored to collaborate with her talented team again. Like Diane says, "technology is your best accessory.'"
The company noted that the new Google Glass designs build on the Titanium Collection released this past January.
The designer collection will include five new frames and eight new shades.
Starting June 23, potential buyers can go to either one of two websites to purchase the new Glass designs.
Google is partnering with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg to create a new collection of their wearable computers, Glass. (Image: Google)
Last month, a report from the Teardown Analysis Service at IHS Technology showed that the $1,500 price of Google Glass is about 10 times the cost of its parts. Analysts, however, argue that the device is more than the sum of its parts.
According to IHS, parts for Google Glass cost $132.47. Add to that a $20 cost for manufacturing the wearable computers and the total cost to the digital eyewear jumps to $152.47.
Google charges early users $1,500 for a pair of the prototypes. It's not clear if that price tag will change when they officially go on sale.
Google disputed IHS's cost breakdown, saying it was "wildly off" and that Glass "costs significantly more to produce."
Glass is expected to be officially released later this year.
Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at @sgaudin, on Google+ or subscribe to Sharon's RSS feed. Her email address is sgaudin@computerworld.com.
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