Google seeding new and improved version of Glass to business partners

While the industry does now understand that Google Glass is not dead, what is becoming increasingly clearer is that the former understanding of Google Glass has changed. Instead of a wire going across your face, holding the prism in front of your eye, this new model features a button-and-hinge system, allowing users to attach the mini computer to any pair of glasses they own.

As mentioned by WSJ, the device has been handed to businesses to use in offices and will not be released to the public.

Like with all things Google Glass, however, you should take the latest reports with a grain of rumor-flavored salt.

A new report from The Wall Street Journal claims to have information on new Google Glass hardware, which we’ve heard in the past may be focused exclusively on the enterprise.

According to the report, the new hardware has an Intel processor, better battery life than the original, and a new design: it doesn’t include a wire-frame. A new consumer version is at least a year away, the people familiar with the matter said.

Google discontinued the first version of Glass in January, placing Nest founder Tony Fadell at the head of developing the next generation. The team hasn’t yet communicated specific details about pricing or timing for the next update of the hardware, several sources said, but one source expected it to come in well below the original Glass’ $1,500 price tag, to stay competitive with other smart glasses in the enterprise. The new Glass is also said to have an Intel processor, better battery life, and better wireless connectivity. Other companies that gave Glass a workplace test drive include Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ), which used it to connect its printer customers with HP’s fix staff. Boeing Co.

The first version of Google Glass suffered from privacy concerns and battery life woes, and Google has since admitted that the hardware probably wasn’t ready for prime time. But there’s still no launch date for any new consumer version, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday.