While many people were saddened by the news that Google was no longer offering Google Glass to consumers, we have some news that might get you out of your Google Glass-less blues. First reported by Droid Life, Google has recently filed a new product with the FCC under FCC ID A4R-GG1. Could the GG1 really stand for Google Glass? Let’s cross our fingers!
What piques our interest is the device that Google has filed for is not categorized like wearable tech or smartphone, and leaves us to wonder what could possibly be in the works. The device has been been labeled “BLUETOOTH & DTS/UNII a/b/g/n/ac” with the model name being “GG1”. It’s hard to imagine the GG1 not standing for Google Glass, especially when Google has indicated they did not completely close down the Google Glass project. Don’t believe me? Check out Google Glass’s website. Although there is not much on the site, we can read that “the journey doesn’t end here”.
According to Droid Life, the device supports Bluetooth LE, 02.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi in 2.4GHz and 5GHz, has a non-removable rechargeable battery as well as a USB port that can be connected to a PC for data transfer. Again, the product is still a mystery, and we could be totally wrong in thinking that this is the next Google Glass. But are we wrong to hope the journey is starting once more?
Many have categorized the Google Glass as a failure, but I can’t. Although Google decided to redesign the product, there were so many great features to tempt me enough to want to buy one. The only thing that stopped me was the conversation I knew I would have to have with my wife first (cue sad trombones).
We know that Google is committed to the Google Glass project, after all, they did hire former Apple executive Tony Fadell who alluded that Google Glass would not be released until it was “perfect“. Google had two major flaws when it first developed the Google Glass. I would imagine myself showing my cool new tech to my co-workers, and seeing the puzzled looks on their faces; “What’s that thing on your glasses? You look goofy,” some less polite team members would say. The first version just didn’t seem to look natural on users’ faces.
With that said, having an Apple executive on their team will be a major plus as Apple is a leader when it comes to inventing designs that appeal to nearly anyone. The second drawback was the price point of the Google Glass. Google was selling the Google Glass for $1,500, which is a bit high in my humble opinion. Especially when you add the fact that it costs Google $152.47 to make the product, according to IHS. Ouch.
What are you thoughts? Are you optimistic that Google just filed their plans for the next Google Glass? What do you think Google needs to fix when it comes to Google Glass? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.