What would you do with Project Glass? Google debuts new video, expands pre-orders

The latest marketing video for Project Glass, Google’s ambitious wearable display, finally shows off its awesome potential. Now Glass doesn’t just look like a casual device for annoying hipsters, it looks like something essential for sharing intimate and exciting moments in your life.

Google is also opening up pre-orders for Project Glass in the form of a contest: Post a note to Twitter or Google+ with the #ifihadglass hashtag in 50 words or less detailing what you’d do with a Glass headset. You can also include up to five photos and a 15-second video. Unfortunately, the contest is only open to adults in the U.S. (And yes, you’ll still need to pay $1,500 for the Project Glass unit.)

At Google I/O last June, the company showed off how versatile Project Glass can be by having people livestream their experience jumping out of a plane, rappelling down the side of a skyscraper, and riding a bike onto the main stage. That was also where Google initially kicked off Glass pre-orders for attendees. Glass also made an appearance at Fashion Week in New York City last September.

The latest video appears to be a mix of actual footage taken from Project Glass units and some footage produced to mimic its on-screen experience. It shows how Glass can be used to capture moments traditional technology could miss — though I don’t suspect many early owners will be as carefree with their units, given the initial high cost.

It looks like Project Glass will need a solid (perhaps lifetime) warranty when it finally starts shipping.