Google has purchased North, a Canadian start-up company that produces augmented reality glasses, for an unspecified amount.
In a joint statement, the two companies stated that North’s technical expertise will help Google invest in its ‘hardware efforts and ambient computing future’.
North is the producer of the Focals smart glasses range, which included a virtual holographic display on the inside of the frames produced by a small laser housed in the temples.
North will now discontinue production of the Focals range and end support for the product, meaning those who purchased the frames will soon not be able to use them.
The Focals frames were more discreet than Google’s infamous Google Glass, which Google has pivoted the next generation of into a business-focused product. It is unclear whether North’s expertise will assist with this development or in other areas.