Technology influencers have been quick to react after last week’s news that Google had stopped sales of its Glass device through Explorer programme on January 19.
CMO and director of wearable technologies at Rochester Optical Tim Moore said: ‘For clarification, not headlines, Google is moving forward with full development of Google Glass. They will be refocusing and positioning Glass 2.0 for the public rollout, which will include a redesign and a more consumer friendly price.
‘To enforce Google's commitment, they have Tony Fadell directly overseeing Glass 2.0. He is best known for his integral role in the creation of Apple's iPod and iPhone, so my expectation is Google is preparing to open the floodgates. I'm more excited than ever about the platform.’
Google made the announcement via its Google + page. It insisted that it remained committed to smart eyewear, but said it would now work on ‘future versions of Glass,’ carried out by a new dedicated division away from Google x, which initially developed the concept.
‘Interest in wearables has exploded and today it’s one of the most exciting areas in technology. Glass at Work has been growing and we’re seeing incredible developments with Glass in the workplace. As we look to the road ahead, we realise that we’ve outgrown the lab and so we’re officially “graduating” from Google x to be our own team here at Google. We’re thrilled to be moving even more from concept to reality,’ said the company on its website.
The Explorer programme launched in the United States in 2013 and in the UK in the summer of 2014.
No timescale for new versions of Glass was given.