Rumors of the death of Google Glass may have been greatly exaggerated. Documents posted on the website of the Federal Communications Commission reveal a newly redesigned Google Glass 2.0 that appears to address many of the issues with the original product. A modern, sleek and sporty design now houses newly upgraded electronics, but it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to achieve more widespread adoption.
Google Glass’s Updated Specs
The new Google Glass appears to have a larger prism and a comfortable, contemporary design that is very similar to the previous iteration. Inside, Google Glass 2.0 will have a more advanced and powerful Intel Atom processor, hopefully paving the way for more advanced applications. The larger prism will make it easier for users to focus on the display, which was a recurring problem for many users during the beta and initial consumer release. What is important and is not known is the battery specifications of the device. The short battery life of the original caused some problems regarding adoption and it remains to be seen how the battery will cope with updated specs.
A New Market for Google Glass
The original Google Glass was focused towards a primarily consumer market, which generally failed to find a use for the highly controversial wearable. The new Google Glass appears to be targeted towards work environments, which will give the product more room to grow. Through augmented reality and advanced applications, Google Glass could be used to sharply increase productivity. Moreover, it will reduce the challenges related to the price tag. The hefty price tag of the initial iteration of Google Glass made it out of reach for many consumers. In the business market, it may be more successful. Hopefully there will also be some reduced cost for consumers who do want to adopt the new wearable.
Pictures and Documents Hint at Other Directions
Though the FCC filing does show the direction that Google Glass is now moving in, other pictures and documents hint at different directions the wearable may potentially take. Drawings and specification sheets show a monocle build which fits over one ear, though it isn’t shown how the device will balance. This would reduce the appearance of the device but may give it a more distractingly futuristic vibe. In another direction, images released in the prior year showed a frame that was closer to traditional glasses. While more visible, this design would be ultimately less noticeable. The design released to the FCC may also be a sportier or more rugged version of Google Glass rather than the base model. There will likely be more information later.
What lies in the future for Google Glass 2.0? It’s impossible to say; most of the issues with Google Glass had little to do with the hardware and more to do with logistical issues and cost. By refocusing the tool towards the workplace, Google may be able to create a market for its device that did not exist before.
