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stormwyrm writes:

Stephen Hall at 9to5Google reports that the next iteration of Google Glass, known internally as 'Google Glass Enterprise Edition' is nearing final production, and it seems that Tony Fadell and his group have refocused the product away from the fashion and urban lifestyle focus it previously had, toward more practical uses in work settings such as factory floors and hospitals. As such, the new Glass has a more rugged build and appearance.

The device, similar to the Explorer Edition, has a band that stretches around the forehead, going back around the left ear. What's most obviously new at first glance is a robust hinge mechanism that allows the computer and battery modules to fold down like a regular pair of glasses, and a hinge for folding down the left side of the band as well.

The overall design of the computer side is more robust as well, built to withstand normal drops and bumps that could occur in less-than-ideal workplace environments. Sources have also said that the device is more water resistant, built with fewer places for water and other outside material to seep in. And, as to be expected from a device built for the workplace, Google has tweaked its visual aesthetic to better fit in a factory or a hospital than on a runway. It's practical and industrial, with a focus on function over fashion.

Internal changes over previous versions of Glass are also announced, including a shift to using an Intel Atom processor. This new version of Glass will not be a consumer product but made available exclusively only to Google's Glass at Work partners, after statements from Google executives that positioning Glass as a consumer product was a big mistake.

More coverage of the new Glass Enterprise Edition from phys.org, Phandroid, and TechCrunch.

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