Intel to power Google Glass 2.0

Google is planning to release Google Glass 2.0 and the second-generation lenses will be powered by Intel, say reports.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Google has sealed the deal with the semiconductor manufacturer to supply the system on a chip (SoC) for Google Glass 2.0. Intel will replace current manufacturer Texas Instruments, which recently closed down its operations. 

The new ‘brains’ behind Google Glass will help Apple truly break into sectors such as manufacturing, construction and healthcare, where workers require quick access to information, hands-free.

Currently, Google has a program called Glass at Work, which is a partnership with software developers Augmedix and APX Labs that aims to build Glass inroads in business.

Still, Google continues to see Glass as a consumer device first and a business tool second. Eric Johnsen, a former Google employee now vice president of software company APX Labs, which makes Glass software used in the oil field, manufacturing and logistics industries, says Google is not likely to change its focus for the smart eyewear.

“We expect Glass to evolve and be more useful for companies, but it will still be a crossover device for consumers,” Johnsen says.

He also expects that the new Google Glass will feature a better battery to hook in both consumer and business users alike. Battery life on the current version of Glass clocks in at around a day for normal use, and less than that for heavy users.

The report does not specify what chip Intel will be providing to Google Glass.

Intel is trying to make up for the massive losses incurred when it missed mobile, while chipmaker Qualcomm effectively took over the smartphone and tablet market with its line of Snapdragon processors.

Intel is not about to make the same mistake in wearables this time, building a tiny x86 processor for wearables called Quark and a special circuit board called Edison. It also acquired fitness tracker maker Basis Science and has teamed up with rapper 50 Cent's SMS Audio to build smart headphones and Taiwan's AIQ to create a smart shirt.

Recently, Intel introduced a new smart bracelet called MICA, a fashion-forward wrist communication device designed for women who are put off by the male-centric designs of most smart watches in the market today.