Google Glass 2.0 could be released in early 2016

Rumours abound about the next iteration of Google’s hi-tech eye-tech, Glass, with reports indicating that Google Glass 2.0 could be released in early 2016.

Sales of the first edition were halted in January when the Glass Explorer programme was wrapped up. The project has been moved out from Google X Labs – the innovative technology arm of Google developing a number of health-related technologies, such as smart contact lenses – to sit with Google-owned tech company Nest.

Following January’s announcement, a Google+ post from the team behind Glass stated: “We’re continuing to build for the future, and you’ll start to see future versions of Glass when they’re ready.”

Signs have emerged this month that things may be ramping up, with Google creating a new name for Glass employees: Project Aura, Glass and Beyond. The project has reportedly recruited a number of engineers and developers and is hiring to fill a number of other listed jobs.

Details are still emerging, but one thing that is known is that Italian eyewear firm Luxottica will work with Google on future designs for Glass.

Google, now a subsidiary of the newly created Alphabet, is distributing an Enterprise Edition of Glass exclusively for healthcare and manufacturer industries. Tech website 9to5Google reports that Glass EE has a new design which is “foldable, more water resistant [and] rugged for the workplace.” This version is reported to be a modified version of Explorer edition.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the brains for the next generation of Glass will be supplied by microchip firm Intel, with Google Glass 2 expected to run on an Intel processor. A number of patents have also been filed from the tech giant for new designs, including tension adjustments to the sides of the frame.

Image credit: Mikepanhu