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Google reportedly preparing more durable Google Glass 'Enterprise Edition'

Google reportedly preparing more durable Google Glass 'Enterprise Edition'

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But it sounds like regular consumers won't be able to buy one

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A new version of Google Glass is indeed coming, but calling it a successor or sequel to the original may be overstating things a bit. 9to5Google reports that Tony Fadell and his team have been at work on a new "Enterprise Edition" of the augmented reality device that's an offshoot of the original Explorer Edition, but with a few hardware improvements. First, Google Glass Enterprise Edition is said to be foldable like a normal pair of glasses, which should make carrying it around easier and less awkward. The right side, where the electronics are contained, can fold down thanks to a "robust hinge" that's been added to this model's design. (The left side does the same.)

9to5Google also claims that the new iteration of Glass will be water resistant and more durable. Google wants it to be able to withstand your normal everyday drops and bumps — and that's pretty important if it's going to be used in factories, warehouses, or other work environments where fragile treatment can't be guaranteed. Similarly, Google has apparently tweaked the appearance of Google Glass Enterprise Edition so it's a better match for its intended audience. It seems reality is starting to sink in, with Google no longer clinging to the false hope of Glass becoming a mainstay on runways and in fashion magazines.

Other improvements reported by 9to5Google include a larger prism for a fuller viewing experience of the Glass interface, longer battery life than the Explorer Edition, and improved performance attributable to a new Intel Atom processor. But if you're a consumer, you won't have an easy time buying one. Google's current plans — always subject to change — apparently call for the Enterprise Edition to be made available exclusively to Glass for Work partners sometime this year. So this isn't a Google Glass 2.0 for the mass market by any means. Google's Tony Fadell, who heads both Nest and the Glass project, has said his team "decided to go and look at every detail" as they attempt to rethink and rework the device.