Mike Wuerthele
Google appears to have ditched the concept of Google Glass as fashion accessory in its latest industry-focused revision to the augmented reality product, and a new headset called the Mira Prism will allow users to snap in an iPhone 7 to reflect the screen into the user's field of vision.
Google Glass was dormant for a long time, but never quite went away. In a blog post on Tuesday, Google's X has relaunched Google Glass with a new Glass Enterprise Edition, now available to more businesses after an extended trial with GE Aviation, and others.
Similar to how the iPad replaced scores of pounds of paper flight manuals, Google notes that the Glass Enterprise Edition replaces engine assembly manuals in the field, making maintenance tasks less arduous, and easier to update if need be. More than 50 partners are currently using the device, with AGCO, DHL, Dignity Health, NSF International, Sutter Health,The Boeing Company, and Volkswagen all listed as companies using the technology now.
The hardware has changed since Google founder Sergey Brin was spotted wearing it at fashion-centric events. Google claims to have made improvements in the design and hardware to further cut down on weight, make it more comfortable for long-term wear, and give it a longer battery life.
Google cites 12 partners worldwide are able to build custom solutions, and provide the hardware itself. It is not clear if Apple iPhone support that was promised over four years ago has materialized.
Mira Prism mounts iPhone 7 for head-mounted AR experience
Newly announced, the Mira Prism is an augmented reality headset that resembles a set of safety eyeglasses designed to incorporate an iPhone 7. The iPhone's display is reflected onto the headset through the Mira app, so it will not quite be universal.
Developers will get access to the SDK for the headset in August, with the hardware itself being available to them in the fall. Retail customers will be able to purchase the headset for $99 in time for Christmas, with pre-orders already underway.
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22 Comments
Google's drunk.
What the honest f... did I just watch
Oh yeah, happy people with the most awkward device on their nose, playing silly games. April 1st?
Reminds me of the Microsoft infommercials a few years ago.
Never heard of Mira Prism until this article but from a pure investing standpoint it might prove smart to take a look at Kopin as a Augmented Reality component play on this news if they did indeed replace Himax for the display. That could be very significant going forward.
As others have noted, Kopin's also a company that Apple might want to acquire before Google beats them to it because they own a ton of wearable patents and microOLED tech that is industry leading but would take time and resources to scale up production; they even have some microphone tech they call whisper voice chip (some video's of it on youtube) , that might prove very useful to both apple and google as augmented reality and wearable get commercialized.
Note that when Google Invested in Himax (a 6.3% position), the stock went up 34% that day. Himax HIMX about 4 times the market cap of Kopin KOPN, so do some further due diligence if investing. Small Caps can move a lot. Up and DOWN.