Google Glass, long shelved for consumers, upgrades enterprise version

Google Glass, a pair of computerised eyeglasses rigged to display information in a hands-free format that never materialised for consumers, has launched an upgraded version of its enterprise headset.

Called Enterprise Edition 2.0, the new hardware is built on software platform Android, making it easier for customers to integrate services and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) they already use, Google said in a blog post.

Google added that the new edition comes with a significantly more powerful multicore central processing unit (CPU) and a new artificial intelligence engine enabling significant power savings, enhanced performance and support for computer vision and advanced machine learning capabilities.

The US-based technology giant, which shelved the Glass project for consumers in early 2015, had revived the headset for enterprises a couple of years ago. Glass has found customers including AGCO, Deutsche Post DHL Group, Samsung, GE, Sutter Health, and HB Fuller.

According to Google, workers can use Glass to access checklists, view instructions or send inspection photos or videos. It added that enterprise customers have reported faster production times, improved quality, and reduced costs by using Glass.

The new edition of Glass is built on Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 platform. Google has also roped in Smith Optics to make Glass-compatible safety frames for different types of environments, like manufacturing floors and maintenance facilities. The company added that the Glass is a small and lightweight wearable computer with a transparent display for hands-free work.

Glass also boasts improved camera performance and quality, built on the product's existing first-person video streaming and collaboration features. The new hardware comes with USB-C port that supports faster charging and increased overall battery life to enable customers to use Glass longer between charges, the blog post noted.