Google has officially patented an augmented reality headset that would replace the Google Glass. (Photo : YouTube)
Manufacturing of the Google Glass has been officially stopped since January as the company searches for new ways to entice consumers to buy the smart eyewear. Currently, Google is focusing on a specific market that it predicts will greatly benefit from the features of the device.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Google is distributing a new version of the Glass to selected companies within the healthcare, energy, and manufacturing sector. The report added that the new version of the device has several new features and upgrades that were not available in its consumer version.
One of the most noticeable upgrade is that the device now has hinges. This means that it can be folded just like a regular pair of glasses.
According to Ars Technica, the new Glass features a more powerful Intel processor. It also has a larger and thinner display prism. Google also worked on the devices connectivity issues as well as the vertical and horizontal prism adjustment. An external battery pack was also added which makes the device ideal for all-day business or work use.
A high-end version of the device is also available and features an Intel Atom processor with support for 5GHz 802.11/ac Wi-Fi. The high-end version is waterproof and more rugged compared to its regular counterpart. The device is distributed through Google's Glass for Work initiative.
When Google put the consumer version of Google Glass on hiatus, many analysts said that the company is giving up on the device for good. However, the emergence of the new workplace version of Google Glass simply means that the company is still busy developing and working on its flagship smart eyewear device.
