May 21, 2019 – Google has announced the launch of Glass Enterprise Edition 2. Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is a wearable computer device with a transparent display for hands-free work that is designed to help businesses improve the quality of their output, and help their employees work smarter, faster and safer, according to Google. It provides hands-on workers and professionals with glanceable, voice-activated assistance that is designed to be worn all day due to Glass’ lightweight profile.
The new Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 platform, which features a more powerful multicore CPU (central processing unit) and a new artificial intelligence engine. According to Google, this enables power savings, enhanced performance and support for computer vision and advanced machine learning capabilities. Google has also partnered with Smith Optics to make Glass-compatible safety frames for different types of work environments, like manufacturing floors and maintenance facilities.
Additionally, Glass Enterprise Edition 2 features improved camera performance and quality, which builds on Glass’s existing first person video streaming and collaboration features. Google has also added a USB-C port that supports faster charging, and increased overall battery life to enable users to use Glass for longer periods between charges.
Google also states that its Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is easier to develop for and deploy. It’s built on Android, making it easier for customers to integrate the services and APIs that they already use. Furthermore, in order to support scaled deployments, Glass Enterprise Edition 2 now supports Android Enterprise Mobile Device Management.
Glass Enterprise Edition has helped workers in a variety of industries do their jobs more efficiently by providing hands-free access to the information and tools needed to complete work, as workers can use Glass to access checklists, view instructions or send inspection photos or videos. Google stated that its enterprise customers have reported faster production times, improved quality, and reduced costs after using Glass.
With the introduction of Glass Enterprise Edition 2, the company anticipates that it will further help businesses to improve employee efficiency. Google added that feedback received from enterprise customers using the original Glass Enterprise Edition has directly informed the improvements in Glass Enterprise Edition 2.
Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has been refining it’s Glass product at, what it refers to as its “Moonshot Factory”, otherwise known as simply ‘X’, which is designed to be a protected space for long-term thinking and experimentation. Now, according to the company, in order to meet the demands of the growing market for wearables in the workplace and to better scale their enterprise efforts, the Glass team has moved from X to Google.
In a news release, Google stated: “Over the past two years… we’ve collaborated with our partners to provide solutions that improve workplace productivity for a growing number of customers—including AGCO, Deutsche Post DHL Group, Sutter Health, and H.B. Fuller. We’ve been inspired by the ways businesses like these have been using Glass Enterprise Edition.” The company added, “We’re committed to providing enterprises with the helpful tools they need to work better, smarter and faster. Enterprise businesses interested in using Glass Enterprise Edition 2 can contact our sales team or our network of Glass Enterprise solution partners starting today. We’re excited to see how our partners and customers will continue to use Glass to shape the future of work.”
The full tech specifications for Glass Enterprise Edition 2 are as follows:
| SoC | Qualcomm Quad Core, 1.7GHz, 10nm |
| OS | Android Oreo |
| Memory & Storage | 3GB LPDDR4 / 32GB eMMC Flash |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, dual-band, single antenna |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.x AoA |
| Camera | 8Mp, 80 DFOV |
| Display | 640×360 Optical Display Module |
| Audio out | Mono Speaker, USB audio, BT audio |
| Microphones | 3 beam-forming microphones |
| Touch | Multi-touch gesture touchpad |
| Charging & Data | USB Type-C, USB 2.0 480Mbps |
| LED | Privacy (camera), power (rear) |
| Battery | 820mAh with fast charge |
| IMU | Single 6-axis Accel/Gyro, single 3-axis Mag |
| Power-saving features | On head detection sensor, and Eye-on screen sensor |
| Ruggedization | Water and dust resistant |
| Weight | ~46g (pod) |
The Glass Enterprise Edition 2 costs $999, however, currently units are not available to consumers for direct purchase.
Image credit: Google
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About the author
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.