Google Glass Enterprise Edition
| Google Glass Enterprise Edition[1][2] | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Smart Glasses |
| Developer | X (Alphabet) |
| Manufacturer | |
| Announcement Date | 18 July 2017 |
| Release Date | July 2017 (through Glass partners only) |
| Price | No list price; one partner bundle sold for EUR 1,550 (August 2017) |
| Predecessor | Google Glass (Explorer Edition) |
| Successor | Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 |
| System | |
| Chipset | Intel Atom |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| Display | |
| Display | Prism projector |
| Resolution | 640 x 360 |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Speaker (replaces bone conduction) |
| Connectivity | |
| WiFi | Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth LE and HID |
| Battery Capacity | 780 mAh |
| Device | |
| Sensors | Ambient light, digital compass, wink and blink sensors, barometer, capacitive head sensor, hinge sensor, assisted GPS and GLONASS |
Google Glass Enterprise Edition is a smart glasses device for workplace use, developed by the Glass team at X, the research unit of Google's parent company Alphabet. It is the first business version of Google Glass and was announced on 18 July 2017 for sale to companies through a network of Glass partners, who bundled it with their own software.[1][3] A small prism display puts information such as next steps in a task in the wearer's field of view, so both hands stay free for the work.[4]
Compared with the consumer Explorer Edition, it has an Intel Atom processor, a larger battery, faster Wi-Fi, a recording indicator light and a removable electronics unit, the "Glass Pod", that can be attached to safety glasses or prescription frames.[1][5] It was succeeded by Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 in May 2019.[6] Google stopped selling Glass Enterprise Edition on 15 March 2023 and ended support on 15 September 2023.[7]
History
Development and leaks
Google closed the public Explorer program for Glass in January 2015 but continued to sell Glass to businesses.[4] In July 2015, 9to5Google reported, citing people familiar with advanced prototypes, that Google was preparing an "Enterprise Edition" with a larger prism, an Intel Atom processor, modestly better battery life and an optional external battery pack.[8] A follow-up report described a hinge that lets the computer and battery modules fold down like ordinary glasses, fewer openings for water to get in, and a build meant to survive drops in workplace settings. The same report said Google planned to sell it only through certified Glass for Work partners.[9] In December 2015 Google's application for the enterprise device appeared on the U.S. Federal Communications Commission website, before Google had acknowledged the product.[10] Production units carry the model designation GG1 (FCC ID A4R-GG1).[11]
Announcement
X announced the product on 18 July 2017, after about two years of quiet testing in workplaces. As reported by 9to5Google, Glass project lead Jay Kothari said: "This isn't an experiment. It was an experiment three years ago. Now we are in full-on production with our customers and with our partners."[1] In the announcement, Kothari said the team had made the hardware "lightweight and comfortable for long term wear" and had increased its power and battery life.[12] The Register summed up the new pitch with Google's line that Glass is "a hands-free device, for hands-on workers".[3]
BizTech reported that more than 50 businesses were using the device at announcement, among them AGCO, DHL, Dignity Health, NSF International, Sutter Health, Boeing and Volkswagen, and that X had worked with more than 30 partners to build software for it.[13]
Sales
Google did not publish a list price. BizTech reported that the price would vary with the software customization, support and training a customer needed.[13] In August 2017 the Glass partner Streye listed the device on its website for EUR 1,550 (about US$1,828) in a bundle with its streaming app, a user account, a year of support and 2 GB of cloud storage.[14][15]
Succession and end of sales
Google announced Glass Enterprise Edition 2 on 20 May 2019. In that announcement Kothari wrote that the Glass team had spent the previous two years at X working with partners, and that the product was moving from X to Google.[6] The second model replaced the Intel Atom with Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR1 platform and launched at US$999.[16]
Google announced that it would no longer sell Glass Enterprise Edition from 15 March 2023 and would support it until 15 September 2023. It planned no further software updates after that date.[7] Google's help center kept a separate support page for Glass Enterprise Edition 1 that carries the same notice.[17]
Hardware
Design
The Explorer Edition combined the lenses, frame, display and processor in a single unit. The Enterprise Edition separates them: the electronics form a pod with a processor and display that clips onto frames.[3] The camera button doubles as the release switch for the Glass Pod, and the pod fits frames with prescription lenses, safety glasses and regular eyewear; 9to5Google reported that OSHA-certified safety shields were available.[1] The frame is foldable.[12] In 9to5Google's unboxing, the pod (in a Charcoal color) and a titanium band came in separate boxes, and the device charged through a braided cable with a magnetic connector.[11]
The display prism is larger than on the Explorer Edition.[12] A light on the front turns on while the camera is recording.[5][11]
Specifications
A spec sheet published by 9to5Google a week after the announcement lists a 640 x 360 projected display, a custom Intel Atom processor running a 32-bit operating system, 2 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage, a 780 mAh battery and a 5 V, 1.5 A pin-based charger. Connectivity is dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi at 2.4 and 5 GHz and Bluetooth LE and HID with multiple connections. The sensor list includes an ambient light sensor, digital compass, wink and blink sensors, a barometer, a capacitive head sensor, a hinge sensor, and assisted GPS and GLONASS. A plain speaker replaced the Explorer Edition's bone conduction transducer.[2] Engadget described the 32 GB of storage as double the original's.[15]
Sources disagree on the camera. Launch coverage from TechCrunch and 9to5Google reported an upgrade from 5 to 8 megapixels.[5][1] The later 9to5Google spec sheet lists 5 MP stills and 720p video.[2]
Software
The unit 9to5Google unboxed ran software version EE13. Enterprise Edition devices shipped with software preloaded and customized by the partner that sold them.[11] TechCrunch reported that the device works with external devices such as barcode scanners and keyboards.[4]
Uses
Glass Enterprise Edition was aimed at manufacturing, logistics, field service and healthcare.[4] Reported deployments include:
- AGCO: the agricultural machinery maker used Glass with Proceedix software at its Jackson, Minnesota factory and planned to expand to six more factories. AGCO reported a 25 percent reduction in production time for low-volume, high-complexity assemblies and a 30 percent reduction in inspection times.[18]
- Boeing: technicians used Glass while building wire harnesses, scanning part numbers as they pulled wires from supplies and seeing the next steps.[4]
- GE Aviation: mechanics used Glass running Upskill software to see instructions in their line of sight.[13]
- DHL: Engadget reported a 15 percent improvement in supply chain efficiency using visual guidance software from Ubimax.[12]
- Healthcare: Dignity Health doctors used Glass with Augmedix transcription software during patient visits.[3] TechCrunch reported that GE Healthcare described emergency medical technicians using it for real-time video and voice calls with hospital doctors while taking a patient to the emergency room.[4]
These efficiency figures were reported by the companies and their software partners, not by independent studies.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Ben Lovejoy (2017-07-18). "Google Glass Enterprise Edition officially announced, with multiple upgrades". 9to5Google. https://9to5google.com/2017/07/18/google-glass-enterprise-edition-officially-announced-with-multiple-upgrades-video/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Stephen Hall (2017-07-24). "Google Glass Enterprise Edition: The full spec sheet revealed". 9to5Google. https://9to5google.com/2017/07/24/google-glass-enterprise-edition-specs/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Thomas Claburn (2017-07-18). "Now your boss can tear you a new Glasshole: Google's techno-specs reborn as biz gear". The Register. https://www.theregister.com/2017/07/18/glass_as_a_corporate_tool/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Ron Miller (2017-07-19). "Google Glass never really left". TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/19/google-glass-never-really-left/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Darrell Etherington (2017-07-18). "Google Glass is back with hardware focused on the enterprise". TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/18/google-glass-is-back-with-hardware-focused-on-the-enterprise/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Jay Kothari (2019-05-20). "Glass Enterprise Edition 2: faster and more helpful". The Keyword. Google. https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/devices/glass-enterprise-edition-2/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Glass Enterprise Edition Announcement FAQ". Glass Enterprise Edition Help. Google. https://support.google.com/glass-enterprise/customer/answer/13417888?hl=en. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ Stephen Hall (2015-07-08). "Google Glass 'Enterprise Edition' brings new larger prism, Intel Atom CPU, optional external battery pack". 9to5Google. https://9to5google.com/2015/07/08/google-glass-enterprise-edition-brings-larger-prism-intel-atom-cpu-battery-life-external-battery-pack/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ Stephen Hall (2015-07-21). "Google Glass 'Enterprise Edition' is foldable, more water resistant, rugged for the workplace". 9to5Google. https://9to5google.com/2015/07/21/google-glass-enterprise-edition-is-foldable-water-resistant-rugged-for-the-workplace/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ Richi Jennings (2015-12-29). "FCC outs Google Glass Enterprise Edition: Glassholes celebrate". Computerworld. https://www.computerworld.com/article/1625230/google-glass-enterprise-edition-goog-itbwcw.html. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Stephen Hall (2017-09-18). "Exclusive: First unboxing of Google Glass Enterprise Edition". 9to5Google. https://9to5google.com/2017/09/18/exclusive-first-unboxing-of-google-glass-enterprise-edition-gallery-video/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Steve Dent (2017-07-18). "Google Glass is officially back with a clearer vision". Engadget. https://www.engadget.com/2017-07-18-google-glass-is-officially-back-with-a-clearer-vision.html. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Phil Goldstein (2017-07-19). "Google Reintroduces Glass AR Wearable for the Workplace". BizTech. https://biztechmagazine.com/article/2017/07/google-reintroduces-glass-ar-wearable-workplace. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ Stephen Hall (2017-08-07). "You can now buy Glass Enterprise Edition online for $1828 via a Glass for Work partner". 9to5Google. https://9to5google.com/2017/08/07/how-to-buy-google-glass-enterprise-edition/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Jon Fingas (2017-08-07). "The new Google Glass is on sale today (but don't get it)". Engadget. https://www.engadget.com/2017-08-07-google-glass-enterprise-edition-on-sale.html. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ Abner Li (2019-05-20). "Glass Enterprise Edition 2 launches at $999, graduates from X to Google AR/VR". 9to5Google. https://9to5google.com/2019/05/20/glass-enterprise-edition-2-launch/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ "Get support for Glass Enterprise Edition 1". Glass Enterprise Edition Help. Google. https://support.google.com/glass-enterprise/customer/answer/9382464?hl=en. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ "AGCO improves productivity, accuracy using Google Glass". Cutting Tool Engineering. 2017-07-21. https://ctemag.com/news/agco-improves-productivity-accuracy-using-google-glass/. Retrieved 2026-09-27.