Google has reportedly begun distributing a new iteration of the Google Glass headset, but it’s strictly for business usage.
The search giant announced the closure of its controversial wearable device programme at the start of the year, but it also vowed to return with a new and improved model at some point in the future.
Sure enough, in early July, it emerged that a new version of Google Glass was in testing after a mysterious wearable device appeared in FCC certification.
Now The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google is distributing a new type of Google Glass headset intended for use by businesses in industries such as health care, manufacturing and energy.
According to sources, the new headset is a “curved rectangle” similar to the first Explorer version. However, it doesn’t feature a wire frame, but rather has a button-and-hinge system for attaching the compact computer to different glasses.
Apparently, Google isn’t planning on making this version of Google Glass available to the general public. The next consumer-focused model is still a good year away.
Google is reportedly handing out the new Google Glass models to software developers with a view to developing specific business-focused programs for it. The company wants businesses using the device by this autumn.
Related: Google Glass is gone, farewell to the Glassholes
It’s believed that the Google Glass programme was taken out of its experimental Google X home back in December, and placed in the care of former Apple executive Tony Fadell in the Nest connected home division.
Whenever Google Glass returns to public view, expect it to be less socially awkward.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.