If you thought Google Glass was dead, you may be termed as ‘confused’, albeit your confusion can be attributed to the fact that Google actively obfuscated details of its future. Not only has Google come out with a new avatar of its eye-ware although it is likely to look conspicuously like its old avatar, it has already been distributed to its Glass at Work enterprise partners.
As reported by 9to5Google, the new model can not only be folded like its traditional counterpart but also it is more rugged for the outdoors. But unlike Microsoft’s HoloLens or the ODG R7, the image is displayed on a small screen on the upper right corner of the user’s vision rather than bang in the center.
Tony Fadell, the honcho who took over the Glass project, gets regular feedback from his partners at Glass at Work, so expect continuous improvements in both the software and the hardware.
Although the specifications, nor the pricing and the next possible upgrade have been released, sources however reveal that version 2 is likely to be targeted at enterprise users and is expected to be less than the original Glass’ $1500 price tag, so as to remain competitive.
Rumormongers always rule: as per another source who happens to be in the know of things, despite several Googlers trying to find a way out of the project following the closing of the Explorer program, Google has essentially frozen all inter divisional transfers in order to retain its core Glass team intact. Expectedly, Google declined to comment on this development other than its bland saying – The Glass team is “heads down.” The spokesperson from Fadell too declined to comment.
What’s interesting is that the firms Google has partnered with for its Glass project are not its exclusive enterprise partners. In other words, most if not all of the companies at Glass at Work also use competitive devices from other companies such as Vuzix, ODG and Epson.
“Glass at Work was around before Tony was there. But now it’s really ramped up,” said a source.
As of now, the idea is to focus on enterprise-specific augmented-reality applications, since those markets are more mature and willing to experiment and buy smart glasses, rather than the typical consumer. Although Google is still in a partnership with glass manufacturing giant Luxottica, the consumer edition of Google Glass is however still in the works.
Before you sigh and start browse other smart eye-ware, do note that as a statement from Fadell to the BBC, Google is invested into consumer wearables and it is after all a long term commitment, so “it’s going to take time to get it right.”
Source(s): wsj.com; recode.net; engadget.com
As reported by 9to5Google, the new model can not only be folded like its traditional counterpart but also it is more rugged for the outdoors. But unlike Microsoft’s HoloLens or the ODG R7, the image is displayed on a small screen on the upper right corner of the user’s vision rather than bang in the center.
Tony Fadell, the honcho who took over the Glass project, gets regular feedback from his partners at Glass at Work, so expect continuous improvements in both the software and the hardware.
Although the specifications, nor the pricing and the next possible upgrade have been released, sources however reveal that version 2 is likely to be targeted at enterprise users and is expected to be less than the original Glass’ $1500 price tag, so as to remain competitive.
Rumormongers always rule: as per another source who happens to be in the know of things, despite several Googlers trying to find a way out of the project following the closing of the Explorer program, Google has essentially frozen all inter divisional transfers in order to retain its core Glass team intact. Expectedly, Google declined to comment on this development other than its bland saying – The Glass team is “heads down.” The spokesperson from Fadell too declined to comment.
What’s interesting is that the firms Google has partnered with for its Glass project are not its exclusive enterprise partners. In other words, most if not all of the companies at Glass at Work also use competitive devices from other companies such as Vuzix, ODG and Epson.
“Glass at Work was around before Tony was there. But now it’s really ramped up,” said a source.
As of now, the idea is to focus on enterprise-specific augmented-reality applications, since those markets are more mature and willing to experiment and buy smart glasses, rather than the typical consumer. Although Google is still in a partnership with glass manufacturing giant Luxottica, the consumer edition of Google Glass is however still in the works.
Before you sigh and start browse other smart eye-ware, do note that as a statement from Fadell to the BBC, Google is invested into consumer wearables and it is after all a long term commitment, so “it’s going to take time to get it right.”
Source(s): wsj.com; recode.net; engadget.com