I don't understand this sentiment. These are absolutely not consumer products. They're highly specialized hardware devices being sold to interested, motivated hackers that would like to investigate the technology.

Google clearly isn't sure about what direction to take the technology. They've espoused some vague notions about the importance of first person views and the ability to instantly capture precious moments, but that's about the extent of their push right now.

I think it's really cool that they're interested in getting devices into developers' hands to help them figure out where to take the technology.

It follows good principles of not being developed under stealth mode and being released sooner rather than later.

Why? Do you think someone will release a consumer-ready one before that?