Here's a preview of the new Google Glass hardware

Google Glass will now come with a mono earbud, and will work with prescription frames

Earlier this week, Google announced that Glass Explorers, aka those lucky devils who get to try out Google Glass devices before anyone else, would be able to swap out their old device for a new one, complete with some brand new features.

But Google would "rather 'show' than 'tell'" so it has released a couple of pictures to show off what the new hardware will look like.

The pictures clearly show off the new mono earbud, which will no most likely make it possible to use the device to listen to music, or perhaps to even use it to make phone calls:

In addition, the new Glass will " work with future lines of shades and prescription frames." Beyond, that, though the devices look basically the same as the old ones.

Only those that purchased their previous Glass device before October 28th will be eligable to swap for the new hardware, and they only have 60 days to register.

Swapping is optional, but Google does warn users that their warranty will expire one year after their original purchase date. Plus, this their only opportunity to get in a new color!

On top of that, Google also announced on Monday that it was going to expand the Explorer Program by allowing current members to invite three friends, who will then be able to buy Glass online and have it shipped to them. 

The point of the Explorers program, of course, is to allow people to test the devices out before anyone else and to relay feedback to Google on how to improve them. We are already seeing signs of that with the new features it annouced this week.

Glass might also have other problems with its rollout besides faulty hardware: there are already concerns coming out from privacy advocates.

More than half, 51%, of people have some concern over the issue of privacy when it comes to "wearable technology," such as Google Glass, according to a survey conducted by Rackspace, and Goldsmiths at the University of London in June. The survey asked for the opinions of 4,000 adults from the United Kingdom and the United States.

In addition, 61% of respondants said that wanted the devices to regulated, and a full 20% said that they thought that Google Glass should be banned altogether.

The U.S. government has also gotten involved, with the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus sending a letter to Google CEO Larry Page in May, asking him to clear up concerns that they have over potential privacy violations.

(Image source: https://plus.google.com)