Do you have a friend who is looking to sell their gently used pair of Google Glass but are worried that Google may disable your new investment, fear not. Although Google is still discouraging the sale of Google Glass, they have promised future buyers that they will not be remotely bricking the devices.
When the initial Glass Explorers and Pioneers were invited to purchase our Google Glass, we had to agree to a terms of sale document that included a “no-resale” clause that prevents us from selling our new Google Glass. Strangely enough, gifting Glass was technically not forbidden, so some shady explorers found creative loopholes to scalp potential buyers, such as selling a $4,000 T-Shirt with a free bonus Google Glass.
Aside from (likely) overpaying for their new Glass, these users were always living with the fear that Google could very well brick their unit if they caught wind of the unauthorized sale.
Today, Google performed a major revision to their FAQs to allow them to take a more neutral position on these underground purchases. Previously the FAQ in regards to selling Glass was changed from
Q. Is it OK for Explorers to try and sell their devices online? Will you disable the devices if they do this?
A: You may not resell, loan, transfer, or give your device to any other person. If you resell, loan, transfer, or give your device to any other person without Google’s authorization, Google reserves the right to deactivate the device, and neither you nor the unauthorized person using the device will be entitled to any refund, product support, or product warranty
to
Q. Is it OK for Explorers to try and sell their devices online? Will you disable the devices if they do this?
A: The Explorer program is about taking Glass out in the world and seeing what’s possible with the technology. We hope our Explorers are excited to do just that. While it’s against our terms of service to sell your device, we don’t plan on disabling any Explorer’s device.
Based on the new answer to the FAQ, it is clear that Google still does not want the Explorers to sell their Glass but if the excitement dies, it may be best to pass it along to someone who would put it to good use.
Glass can technically be re-activated under a new account with minimal work but what is unclear is if Google would be willing to grant access to their support line or the developer tools to the new buyer.