Google Glass wasn’t exactly the breakout hit that Google wanted it to be, but that doesn’t mean the technology company is jumping ship. According to reports, Google is working on a new effort code-named Project Aura that will be a wearable, just not based around Glass.
The Information stated that there are three versions of this head-mounted device in development now, but that in the end, it could be consolidated into two. The source claims that one model will be made for the enterprise and another perhaps for more active users. The main difference between the two is whether or not the device has a screen.
Project Aura is overseen by Nest cofounder and chief executive Tony Fadell. In 2013, the company then known as Google placed the iPod creator in charge of its supposedly revolutionary wearable device. The mission was to save the product, but that really didn’t work out as planned. So now it’s back to the drawing board.
While much remains unknown about this somewhat secretive project, the end product will likely have stylish elements to entice users to try it. If delivered as promised, it could come onto the scene around the same time as the consumer version of the Oculus Rift and other virtual reality headsets. And looking at the enterprise space, one has to wonder how Project Aura will stack up against Microsoft’s HoloLens.
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Alphabet’s technology, combined with Fadell’s design and user interface chops, will likely produce something that appeals to these two markets, perhaps even a favorite for the wearable space.
Project Aura is supposedly targeted for release sometime next year.
Update: Google tells us that it doesn’t comment on rumors or speculations.
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