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Home / News / Google Glass successor might just drop the glass

Google Glass successor might just drop the glass

Search giant’s head-wrapping hardware to go audio-only

“Pow! Pow! Zap! I’m a robot! At least, if a heads–up display in my eye makes me one…”

So the conversation often went as unsuspecting humans donned Google’s super-smart Glass headset, snapping shots and streaming data straight to their eye as they shuffled around in an imagined cyborg suit.

OK, so terminator it wasn’t, but Glass signalled a big step closer to a future of on-the-face tech kit for the masses – complete with bone conduction communication, for truly hands-off transmission.

Now, though, it seems Google’s had enough of in-the-eye info – at least for certain future Glass models.

According to industry insiders, Project Aura, the California tech corp’s revived Glass development department, has three versions of the framed-up hardware in the works – only one of which will pack a screen.

At least one of the non-display devices is said to be sports-focussed, relying on audio interaction and skull vibrations alone to talk to the wearer as they break a sweat.

What’s to differentiate such a screen-free head-strapper from the pack of bluetooth buds already on the market? That remains to be seen – though, if Google’s previous Glass offerings are anything to go by, its smarts should be sufficiently superior to make it stand out.

When will we see the glass-less Glass? Reports suggest a release next year is the target – but, given that previous Glass gear never really hit the market properly, holding in the oxygen isn’t advisable.

[Source: The Information]

Profile image of Chris Rowlands Chris Rowlands Freelance contributor

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Formerly News Editor at this fine institution, Chris now writes about tech from his tropical office. Sidetracked by sustainable stuff, he’s also keen on coffee kit, classic cars and any gear that gets better with age.

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Cameras, gear and travel tech

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