The Google Glass 2 is real, and Google’s head-mounted wearable computer is about to get a serious upgrade.
A recent filing to the Federal Communications Commission, the organization responsible for regulating various technologies, shows the oft-rumored Enterprise Edition in all its foldable glory.
The most notable difference between these photos and the first release of the Google Glass — the Explorer Edition — appears to be a small hinge, that will allow the device to fold away for easier storage.
Don’t go selling all your belongings yet, however. According to a report from 9to5 Google, this version of the product may not be available to the general public — rather, it will be distributed through Glass for Work startups, mainly being used as a business tool.
9to5 Google also claims that the Google Glass 2 will feature a “more robust build,” a “larger prism” and a more conveniently placed power button. Additionally, the device is reportedly “waterproof and closed-off,” in order to protect it from the various liquids and debris that can cause faults with the hardware.
A previous patent, filed in November, depicts the Google Glass 2 as a squiggle-shaped device that would only fit around half your head. The photos leaked by the FCC are much more similar to the original Google Glass, and are far more likely to resemble the final version.
Despite these images being out in the wild, Google has yet to make any formal mention of the Google Glass 2. The fact that two rumored designs for the product have surfaced mere weeks apart from each other indicates that Google is still firmly in the testing phase. Any announcements will be a while off.
Google’s fledgling wearable was launched in 2013 for consumers, followed by weak sales and a generally poor reception. The two main problems were cost and privacy — people thought it was too expensive and feared it was recording them without their knowledge or permission.
Whatever your thoughts on the new Google Glass, be sure not to wear it in any restaurants.