Google Announces Google Glass 2 with a Focus On Aiding the Workforce

This week Google’s experimental research unit, Alphabet X, unveiled a new version of its original glasses inspired wearable, Google Glass. Google Enterprise Edition, also known as Google Glass 2, has been developed in partnership with over fifty companies over the past two years to assist workers. The updated device was designed to be lightweight and unobtrusive for hands-free use in the workplace. AGCO, an agricultural equipment manufacturer, reported a 25% reduction in production times, while shipping company DHL increased supply chain efficiency by 15%. Google Glass 2 also holds promise for healthcare professionals, with doctors at Dignity Health reporting that the “auto-scribe” feature of the device reduced the time they spent typing up notes and other administrative duties by a third, while doubling their interaction time with patients. Dr. Albert Chan at Sutter Health wrote that Glass has “brought the joys of medicine back to my doctors, because it lets them focus on patients instead of technology.”

There are currently no plans to make the device available to consumers, but developers at Alphabet X plan on expanding their network of partners and Google Glass capabilities. For workers, the future of wearables is looking more like a Glass half full. Source: Steven Levy, Wired.