Is This the Next Google Glass?

Functionality is going to remain very similar, however, the design of will be a little different.

Though Google may have stopped selling the US$1,500 “Explorer” versions of the device almost a year ago, it seems that the project overall is alive and well. The first version of Google Glass enabled users to take photos and videos without other people’s knowledge, which led critics to call early adopters “Glassholes”.

Over the holiday period an FCC filing published on December 28, we get a glimpse at what could be the next Google Glass headset. Changes include a longer and larger prism (the screen) as well as a folding mechanism like that of a regular pair of glasses.

Among the numerous features the newer version will have is a green light signaling that the device is recording.

For months, rumors have been floating around that Google had distributed prototypes of the new Glass EE to some of its software developers, and now it appears that those prototypes were designed specifically with those developers (and the businesses they serve) in mind. This new device, as of right now, is only going to be available to Glass at Work partners. Google Glass can nearly be thought of as a hands-free smartphone.

Then again, consumers may not be the main focus for Glass anymore.

The previous version of Google Glass had proved useful in certain business and workplace settings.

Documents showing a new version of the Glass, including images, have been posted to the website of the Federal Communications Commission.

“Driven by advancements in user interface and features, smart wearables are on track to surpass the lower priced, less functional basic wearable category in 2018”, IDC senior research analyst Jitesh Ubrani said in September.