Google Glass is back.
Google today took the wraps off of Glass Enterprise Edition 2, the latest version of its head-worn display. This new Glass includes several improvements over its predecessors, including a Snapdragon XR1 platform with a multi-core CPU and new AI engine that brings better performance, "significant" power savings, and support for computer vision and machine learning capabilities.
Glass Enterprise Edition 2 also includes improved camera performance and quality as well as a USB-C port with support for faster charging. Better battery life is another highlight of this new Glass, letting wearers go longer without having to use that USB-C port for a charge.
On the software side, Google says Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is "built on Android", making it easier to develop for and deploy. Companies that adopt the new Glass can more easily integrate their services and APIs. The new Glass Enterprise Edition 2 also supports Android Enterprise Mobile Device Management to let companies easily control Glass units that are deployed to their workers.
To help protect wearers' eyes, Google has also partnered with Smith Optics to create safety frames for Glass Enterprise Edition 2.
The raw specs for Glass Enterprise Edition 2 include a 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, an 8MP camera, and an 820mAh battery. There's a 640x360 optical display module, too, along with Bluetooth 5, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, three beam-forming microphones, and water and dust resistance.
Glass Enterprise Edition 2 will cost $999, and companies who are interested in fitting their workers with the new Glass can contact Google.
Google Glass was originally targeted at consumers, giving them a heads-up display that would give them relevant notifications and information right in front of their face. The $1,500 wearable didn't catch on with consumers, and Google eventually shifted Glass's focus to the enterprise, where it's apparently doing well enough for Google to make a new version.