Google revives Glass as a workplace tool in manufacturing, logistics and other fields...

Jos

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Google is officially bringing back its augmented reality wearable as an enterprise-focused product. Although the consumer version of Glass, after the initial media hype, delivered less than it promised, the company believes it can repurpose it as a practical workplace tool that saves time and money. In fact, Glass Enterprise Edition has already been tested and deployed across many factories in the United States by companies such as Boeing, GE, AGCO, DHL, and others.

The updated device includes a camera module that bumps resolution from 5 megapixels to 8, it has longer battery life than its ill-fated predecessor, a better processor, an indicator for video recording and improved Wi-Fi speeds. Google says it also made some improvements to the design and hardware so that it’s lightweight and comfortable for long term wear.

Citing a few examples, Google noted how workers at agricultural machinery manufacturer AGCO, have reduced production times by 25% and inspection times by 30%, simply by cutting down on the amount of back and forth workers have to do accessing checklists, viewing instruction manuals or sending photos from tablets or laptops as they assemble machines.

Similarly, workers at GE Aviation in Cincinnati have also improved efficiency by between 8–12%, reducing the times they have to put their tools down to consult instructions in between steps.

The idea is that workers in manufacturing, logistics, field services, and healthcare find it useful to consult a wearable device for information and other resources while their hands are busy. It remains to be seen how successful it can be in these environments but it definitely sounds more useful than it ever was in its original consumer version.

With today’s announcement, Google is lifting the non-disclosure requirement on its current Glass Enterprise Edition partners and is opening up the program for more businesses to participate.

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2 companies - Google and Microsoft. Microsoft missed the smartphone boom and was WAY too late in getting an OS to mobile to make a difference. Google bought Android, made it theirs and owned it. Full points to google for understanding the future and cashing in.

But then Google made Glass and Microsoft made the Hololens and the situation is completely reversed. Glass was horrible as a personal wearable and they just NOW are figuring out that AR could be big for businesses?! C'mon guys, if Microsoft has figured it out, you know you're late to the game.
 
It will be a big hit right up to the point where management starts using the data to determine raises, terminations, etc. then the GE's of the world will see some serious union intervention. Hopeful management (for once in their lives) will use it as the intended tool and not the hammer to punish. Only time will tell .....
 
2 companies - Google and Microsoft. Microsoft missed the smartphone boom and was WAY too late in getting an OS to mobile to make a difference. Google bought Android, made it theirs and owned it. Full points to google for understanding the future and cashing in.

But then Google made Glass and Microsoft made the Hololens and the situation is completely reversed. Glass was horrible as a personal wearable and they just NOW are figuring out that AR could be big for businesses?! C'mon guys, if Microsoft has figured it out, you know you're late to the game.

Watch Microsoft botch it lol.
 
This could be really cool if they partnered with Zebra to make Glass part of the warehouse environment.
 
Currently I'm looking forward to Mira Prism support for Android. If that's flexible enough it will end up as the first AR device I own.
 
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