Glass Basecamps were the primary location where those who were curious about Google Glass could go to learn more about the device with hands-on demos and tutorials. Those newly inducted to the Explorer program could go to one of Google’s locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, or London to personally pick up their new Glass unit and get an introductory course in using Glass from one of the onsite representatives. Current Glass Explorers could also go to a basecamp for face-to-face appointments with a Glass Guide who provided technical support or assisted in fitting prescription frames for the device.
According to recent reports, Google’s Glass Basecamps are officially kicking the bucket. It started with a post on Google+ by Glass Explorer Spencer Kleyweg, who noticed that Google is no longer accepting scheduled appointments to said Glass support hubs. This apparently affects all four of the basecamps, at locations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and London. After a quick note to Glass Support, the team apparently confirmed that Google is no longer accepting reservations. The Basecamps have, since their introduction, been a hub for Glass users to get technical support, and a place to give interested potential buyers a place to try the device and pick it up once purchased. Apparently, these closures don’t have as much to do with the decline of Glass’ popularity, as much as that they no longer serve any real purpose. According to Glass Community Manager Becca Samson, it has more to do with the fact that they’re simply not being used as much anymore. Google has opened up more avenues for people to purchase and get support for their devices, and the Basecamps aren’t really all that necessary any longer.
