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Google Glass Enterprise For Work New 2016 Version
Eyewear

New Google Glass For Enterprise Unveiled By FCC

December 29, 2015

Google Glass Enterprise For Work New 2016 Version

It is not exactly a secret that Google is hard at work on both a new consumer and enterprise version of Google Glass. Rebranded (internally at least) Project Aura, the consumer version is rumored to bear little resemblance to original Explorer model. If rumors are correct, we will have to wait at least 12 more months to see what the reimagined wearable will look like. But the new enterprise version of Glass looks like it is about ready to hit the streets. The device has popped up on the FCC’s website and looks remarkably similar to the current version of the wearable. This isn’t a huge shock though; last Fall the Wall Street Journal reported that the model designed for Glass For Work partners was a refinement of the Explorer. After listening to feedback, Google tweaked and improved numerous details to make the device more friendly for a work environment. Among the list of upcoming improvement, the WSJ article stated that the new version would be foldable. It seems like the publisher was correct, one of the most prominent new features is a foldable design. The newspaper also expected to see an adjustable screen, but that doesn’t seem to have made the cut. Instead the screen has grown in size. The paper also foresaw the device including a faster processor, which appears to be correct (but pretty much all iterative versions of consumer electronics these days follows that trend). And there seems to be removable battery packs, which was also mentioned in the WSJ article.  

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by Doug Parker
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Google Glass Project Aura Screenless Sports
Eyewear

The Next Version Of Google Glass Might Be Screenless

November 19, 2015

Google Glass Project Aura Screenless Sports

Earlier this year, Google Glass was pulled from the market so that Google could have a chance to reimagine the device. We knew Tony Fadell, who was placed in charge of the project (now called Project Aura), would likely make some big changes but we did not expect this. According to a rumor from The Information, at least one version of the next Google Glass will not have a screen; instead, the wearable will rely completely on audio. Sounds a lot like headphones to us, but we are sure that (hopefully) Google has more up its sleeves. The screen less Google Glass is rumored to be 1 of 3 new models, each of which will target a unique audience – sports, enterprise, and an unknown third category (we would assume ‘general purpose’). Lacking a screen, the rumored device seems perfect for sports. The other two models are expected to have a screen. But with a 2016 launch date, I would take any of these rumors with a large heap of salt; even if the rumors are accurate, the plans for Google Glass could change significantly and models dropped.

Between Nest and his work on Apple’s iPod, Tony Fadell has a solid track record. After designing two iconic, industry changing products, it is easy to understand why Google appointed him in change of Project Aura. Google Glass was in desperate need of a new approach and a rethinking; the original was way too cold and techie looking. Removing the screen from Glass is certainly reimagining the product and it makes us very curious about what the team is working on!

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by Doug Parker
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Eyewear

Google’s Next Version Of Google Glass Isn’t For Consumers

August 5, 2015

Google Glass New Enterprise Work Version

If after our report of a new FCC filing you had gotten your hopes up regarding an imminent release of the new Google Glass, you should have a seat. Turns out there is a new version of Google Glass being released this fall but it is only for Google’s enterprise partners’ development teams. The new version is not the reimagining of the product fans had been hoping for, but instead a refinement for people who depend on the device for their work. According to the WSJ’s sources, the completely redesigned consumer version is still a ways off – at least a year. In the meantime, let’s check out what the new enterprise version features. Google apparently has made the device more durable and more water resistant so that it holds up better to the abuses of a work environment. In addition to a faster processor, Google Glass has added better wireless connectivity and longer lasting, replaceable battery packs. Apparently the display now can be adjusted left and right or up and down and the device is hinged so that it can be folded like a pair of standard glasses. The new enterprise version of Google Glass is expected to ship this fall to partners and is reported to cost well below the Explorer’s previous $1,500 price point, which is a fantastic bellwether for the pricing of the forthcoming consumer version!

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by Doug Parker
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Eyewear

Google Re-Examining Every Aspect Of Google Glass

May 21, 2015

Future Of Google Glass

In January of this year Google unexpectedly pulled Google Glass from its online marketplace and announced that Nest’s Tony Fadell was going to be overseeing the project moving forward. The move came as public sentiment towards Glass was reaching a low point; between the in-your-face design and privacy concerns, people and businesses became wary of the device. After the January announcement, it was assumed that the Glass project was on life-support. Tony Fadell came out of the shadows at this week’s Google Zeitgeist Conference to clear things up. According to Fadell, Google remains committed to Glass and continues to see it as an important platform. He is working with the Glass team to re-examine and reimagine every aspect of the product to make it consumer-ready, “We’ve decided to go and look at every detail, have no sacred cows and figure out the way forward.” It certainly seems like there is a challenging road ahead for Glass, but Fadell is one of the few people who might have the ability to turn it around. He has a track record of making technology accessible; he is considered the father of the iPod, had a large responsibility in shaping the iPhone, and co-founded Nest, makers of the wildly successful Nest Thermostat.

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by Doug Parker
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Eyewear

JINS’s New Glasses Can Track Eye Movement

January 14, 2015

JINS Meme Smart Eyeglasses

While Japanese company JINS calls their new eyewear smart-glasses, they don’t have a screen or present you with information from your phone. Instead the brains behind the Meme eyewear are designed to utilize discrete sensors to track the movement of your eyes. In each nosepad there is a three-point electrooculography (EOG) sensor. Built into the frames are a gyroscope and accelerometer. Combined these sensors can estimate energy levels, gauge fatigue, estimate calories burnt, judge posture, and count blinks (?). While the overall utility of Meme probably still needs to be sorted out, JINS is working with health tech company Omron to develop applications. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Meme is that the frames are almost indistinguishable from something you might pick up at Warby Parker.

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by Doug Parker
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Eyewear

Sony Shows Off Its Vision Of A Wearable Display

January 6, 2015

Sony AttachSony’s vision of a wearable display allows you to attach the device to whatever your eyewear of preference is. The Sony Attach is designed to be a stand alone unit that you attach (surprise) to your own glasses. Unfortunately, for the time being there is a large caveat: it has to be a compatible set of eyewear. But the company promises a host of mounting options (including adhesive) that should provide a fairly broad swath of compatible frames. While this is great news, I would be hesitant to expect anything compatible from any Luxottica brands (the company is both a Google Glass partner and developing its own smart devices with Intel). Sony’s Attach is very similar to Google Glass, providing a micro-sized screen in front of the right eye. The device on display at CES is not a finished product, so it is not clear how one interacts with the device, how much it would cost, or if it will even make it to market.

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by Doug Parker
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Eyewear

Intel Announces Partnership With Luxottica

December 4, 2014

Intel Luxottica PartnershipIf it wasn’t clear from Intel’s first foray into wearable devices, the company is serious about creating stylish connected devices you would actually want to wear. They are also serious about working with other companies to ensure the devices are stylish. To that end, Intel has announced a multiyear partnership with luxury eyewear company Luxottica. In case you aren’t familiar, Luxottica is an Italian eyewear behemoth and are the people behind Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and a large number of clothing designers’ eyewear. Although Luxottica already has an agreement with Google pertaining to Google Glass, the company is quick to point out that they are very different agreements. With Google Glass, Luxottica is working to incorporate the product into their Oakley and Ray-Ban brands. With Intel, the two companies are exploring new possibilities together in a more blue sky manner. Intel expects the first product of this relationship to be unveiled in 2015.

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by Doug Parker
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