Glass is about to get is first major update since 2012, as Google prepares to replace the smart glasses' Texas Instrument processors with Intel components, according to reports.
Doubts about Glass' future began to intensify when, after months of no news, a Google co-founder and Glass evangelists showed up at a red carpet event without the augmented reality glasses in tow. Sergey Brin dismissed his barefaced appearance as a lapse in memory, asserting he left his Glass in the car.
People claiming to have intimate knowledge of Google's plans told the Wall Street Journal the second version of Glass will be powered by Intel components, rather than Texas Instruments parts. The sources couldn't elaborate on what Intel parts will replace the Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 processor.
The deal with Google's Glass division would forward Intel's efforts to establish its presence in the emerging field of wearable tech. Intel has partnered with Opening Ceremony to make a splash in the wearables sector, releasing the $495 MICA smart bracelet to entice the fashion-conscious into falling in love with wearable devices. MICA, which is short for My Intelligent Communication Accessory, uses SMS messages, meeting alerts, and general notifications to keep users connected without pairing with a smartphone.
Andy Bryant, Intel chairman, said his company has been losing a lot of money as it has warmed the benches on the sidelines of wearables for the last few years. While the company has watched money bleed from its mobile division, Intel is hoping to get a jump on the rising field of wearables so it doesn't find itself fighting to get into the game later on.
"I'm not going to tell you I'm proud of losing the kind of money we're losing," said Bryant, adding: "I'm not embarrassed by it like I was a year ago."
The partnership on Glass between Google and Intel would help both players establish a firm foundation in the wearables market. While Intel has been waiting to get into the game, Google has been struggling to keep the public engaged in its product.
Google Glass has shown promise in workplaces, though the public has been put off by those who wear the devices out and about in their communities. Google Glass was rumored to be losing the development support that would spur adoption of the glasses by consumers, but the Glass team recently indicated the pool of apps for the smart glasses is continuing to swell.
"Shout-out to all the amazing developers building for Glass: from running from zombies to finding your car, we've officially climbed into the triple digits, with 100 approved Glassware and counting -- and those are just the ones you'll find in MyGlass," stated a Google Glass representative.
