Is Google Glass doomed before it ever goes mainstream?

There’s been no shortage of critique regarding Google Glass, its future, privacy, and of course cost. A new Google+ write-up by the most famous “Glasshole” Robert Scoble raises a number of issues relating to Glass and the potential for it to be both wildly popular and doomed before it even gets started. Scoble lists a number of reasons why it’s possible that Glass could be both successful or find itself on the shelf of great Google products that were introduced before their time.

The thing is, almost everyone who comes across someone wearing a pair is interested in trying them on making every Glass owner a pseudo-agent for Google PR. As Scoble says, “Google is brilliant”:

Nearly everyone wants to try it. Google is brilliant. They got us to pay $1,500 (plus tax) to be its PR agent. It’s gotten to the point where even I don’t want to wear them around. At one conference a few people in a bathroom wanted to try them on. I figure I’ve shared my Glass with 500-1,000 people

Perhaps the biggest reason Glass might be doomed in 2014 is price, at $1500 it’s still wildly expensive compared to most flagship smartphones. Scoble suggests that even at $600, Glass is still doomed in 2014 because expectations are so high. So what does Scoble suggest amidst the well thought out 10 reasons he provides as reasoning for the doom and gloom outlook for Glass? For Google to reset expectations:

So, what would I do if I were Google? Reset expectations. Say “this is really a product for 2020 that we’re gonna build with you.” First release is in 2014, but let’s be honest, if it’s $600 and dorky looking, it’ll be doomed — as long as expectations are so high.

If you’re a current Glass owner, looking to pick up a pair as soon as opportunity presents itself or even remotely interested in the future of wearable technology Scoble’s Google+ post is totally worth the read.