Google Glass 2 with Intel processor in development

Despite the headset not making quite the splash anyone was hoping for, Google Glass is getting an upgrade with its second generation, which will reportedly be powered by an Intel processor and aimed at business users.

Sources speaking to the Wall Street Journal claim that Google's next iteration of the device will replace the Texas Instruments processor in current models with an Intel chip.

The same source also predicts Google Glass 2 will be targeted at business users, specifically hospitals and manufacturing companies, rather than consumers as has been the case with the headset so far. It also wants to come up with new business uses for the device.

Google's Glass at Work programme, which is focused on developing software to support the device's use by enterprise customers, only reportedly has 5 per cent of the workforce currently devoted to it, with the company preferring to focus on the consumer market.

The company recently stopped selling Google Glass in physical stores, taking sales online exclusively and citing high demand as the reason for the move.

After the release date for the consumer version of the device was pushed to 2015, head of business operations Chris O'Neill was positive about Glass' position, saying: "We are completely energised and as energised as ever about the opportunity that wearables and Glass in particular represent."

The device has come under fire for a variety of issues, including a recent discovery that wearing a Google Glass headset while driving would restrict peripheral vision, thus increasing the risk of accidents.

With Intel now on board for the new Glass, battery life will likely be top of the agenda going forwards.

Caroline Preece

Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.

You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.