Inside The Swanky, Invitation-Only Loft Where Lucky New Yorkers Are Picking Up Google Glass
New Yorkers were invited to Chelsea Market last Thursday, on April 25 via email. Google informed them they'd be some of the first people to buy Glass.
Google Glass workers waited in the lobby to send invitees to the 8th floor.
Felix, which was once owned and operated by NY startup Yext, was acquired by IAC last August. It used to be based on the 8th floor of Chelsea Market. Google Glass moved in in its place. Here's what the office looked like before.
Here's what it looks like as a Google Glass store. Aaron Henshaw, who picked up Glass last week, describes it as "a gorgeous, sun-filled loft."
It isn't crowded inside. Only a handful of people pick up their Glass at a time.
Google Glass comes in multiple colors, and each is on display in the Chelsea Market loft.
Google Glass is given to you in packaging that looks like it could have come from an Apple Store.
Glass users are also handed champagne to celebrate their new gadgets.
Computer stands are set up so you can try Google Hangouts with Google Glass and more. Mirrors are behind the computers so you can see what you look like wearing Glass.
Cameras were set up to document the event. Google Glass employees spent tons of time with each customer, walking them through functionality. Most are hipster women who seem to fit the cool vibe Google is going for.
Here's one of Grand St's founders, Joe Lallouz, trying Google Glass for the first time while co-founder Amanda Peyton waits for her pair to arrive.
Here's another Grand St founders, Aaron Henshaw, learning to take a photo by clicking the shutter on the side of his Glass.
Now he's got the hang of it.
Happy new Glass customer!
It's hard to look cool the first time you put on Glass. There is no lens on the pair of glasses, just a frame, and a screen pops up just above your line of vision on your right eye.
You can attach shades to your Glass frames if you want to look slightly cooler or be more discrete.
All of the Grand St-ers now have their Glass and champagne. Success! The next batch of New Yorkers, those who won a Glass Twitter contest, get to pick up their devices next week.
Now check out one user's review of Google Glass:
Get your weekly dose of essential news delivered right to you, plus explore a world of insights with our diverse newsletter subscription options.
- Weekly newsletter
- Uncover the latest in Tech, Finance, Business, and more
- Handpicked web stories, in-depth articles, and expert analyses
Advertisement