In the world of wearables, the one that has perhaps garnered the most attention for Google was Glass, the augmented reality powered glasses which went through quite the lengthy beta run if you will, known as the Explorer Edition, that cost a hefty amount and was only available by invite for a time. Glass is all but dead, as Nest CEO Tony Fadell now heads the project, renamed Aura, and there have been numerous details that have surfaced pointing to a new more enterprise-focused approach for Google’s new Glass device going forward. A new report, however, suggests that Google may also have a second Glass wearable in the works that is eliminating the screen from the equation, in addition to one variant of the wearable that has one on board.
Rumored details point to a possible three versions of the Glass devices in total, with Google taking the screen-equipped model and positioning it as a device meant for enterprise use. Google Glass making a solid jump to enterprise shouldn’t be a shock, as this isn’t the first time this enterprise was mentioned, but a second device without a screen is a curious direction as the display is how previous model Glass users interacted with the content they searched for by voice.
The new models that are reportedly in development currently would work by using bone conduction technology just like the Explorer Edition of Glass, but without a display they would instead relay content information to users through audio. While there is no confirmation that Google would release three different models of Glass, if they launch two non-enterprise variations, one is said to be aimed at those with an active lifestyle making it basically a “Sport” model of the device, while the other would simply target the rest of consumers, and all are set for a possible launch sometime next year, although there are no specific dates which have been mentioned. With audio being the primary and only method of relaying information back to the user, it’ll be interesting to see how well the setup works, and what Google has come up with for the design.