Despite its perhaps premature death back in January, Glassholes the world overall have a late Christmas present today with pictures of the new version of Google, Inc.’s smart eyewear making their way online.

The new version of Google Glass, sadly not dubbed “look like a tool: the next generation,” were discovered by 9to5Google in a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing and show an arguably sleeker device that includes the ability to fold the camera at the front into the frame.

In addition to its new looks, it appears from the picture that the power button has been moved from its previously awkward position on the inside of the first generation of the glasses to the back of the device, and the front light comes on when the camera is being used.

Although not officially confirmed, it is believed that the new version is waterproof and closed-off to protect it from debris and other substances that may damage the hardware. And it may also include an Intel Atom processor, improved battery life, and 5 GHz Wi-Fi for improved connectivity.

The next generation

News that Google Glass may be rising from the dead first emerged in July 2015 with a report that the device would be making a comeback as an enterprise-focused offering versus one that is focused on the broader mass market.

How the next generation of Google Glass will be specifically tailored to the enterprise market though has never been made fully clear, particularly given the coming to market of a range of augmented reality devices in 2016 that quite clearly have a defined purpose; will the new Google Glass offer its own take on augmented reality, perhaps, given that the original already did, although not anywhere near the level of what we are seeing with devices such as Microsoft’s HoloLens?

As there is no word on exactly what Google has in mind with the new device, so too is there no word as to when it may be coming to market. But that said, the FCC filing is at least indicative that Google is getting closer to announcing something officially.

Image credit: Google/FCC/Public Domain