Google Glass to be made in U.S. by Foxconn, report says
Google plans to manufacture its futuristic glasses in the United States, a recent report says.
Google Glass is augmented reality eyewear that uses voice recognition to take commands and display information. Some examples of how the glasses can be used include turn-by-turn navigation, taking photos and translating languages on the spot.
The Financial Times reports that Google Glass will be manufactured in Santa Clara, Calif. by the Taiwanese company Hon Hai Precision Industry, better known as Foxconn.
Citing people familiar with the company's plans, the Times reports that a few thousand devices will be made in the Silicon Valley factory. The proximity of the factory to Google's headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. will make it possible for the company's engineers to work closely on the product through the entire process, the news organization speculates.
Google said it does not comment on speculation or rumors.
Foxconn manufactures about half of the world's electronics, with clients that include Apple, Samsung and Microsoft. The company came to attention in the past few years following a series of reports of labor violations, child labor and employee suicides.
There are no details on how many employees the Silicon Valley Foxconn plant will employ. Foxconn did not immediately respond to CBS News' request for comment.
Google announced earlier this week that it has chosen 8,000 people to get the "explorer" edition of Glass. The glasses will cost a whopping $1,500 each. Developers can also purchase Glass for the same cost.
- Confirmed: Google Glass arrives in 2013, and under $1,500
- Google picks 8,000 winners of "Glass" contest
Google says early editions of the glasses will help engineers better understand how people might use the technology and make necessary tweaks before offering it to mass consumers, the Associated Press reports. Glass is expected to cost from $700 to $1,500.
