Google will stop selling Google Glass through its Explorer program as of January 19, prompting speculation about the wearable tech’s future.Making the announcement, Google stated as part of the “transition” it will be closing the program to “focus on what’s coming next”.
Glass was one of the forerunners in the growing wearables market, however its future and position in the market has been the subject of speculation.
While January 19 will be the last day to get the Glass Explorer Edition, Google hasn’t expanded in any detail on what the future holds for Glass, stating “we’re continuing to build for the future, and you’ll start to see future versions of Glass when they’re ready”.
The Wall Street Journal has reported Glass will move from the Google X research lab to be a standalone unit, with Glass chief Ivy Ross to report to Nest Labs chief executive Tony Fadell, who will oversee Glass.
The WSJ last year reported people familiar with the matter as stating an Intel chip will be used in the next version of Glass, with Intel planning to promote Glass to companies including hospital networks and manufacturers and to develop new workplace uses for the device.
