It turns out Google Glass was only mostly dead when Google Inc. decided to shelve its overhyped smart glasses in January 2015.

Google’s not-so-secret research and development company, X (formerly Google X), announced today that Google Glass Enterprise Edition is now available for companies who are looking for a simple, wearable display solution in the workplace.

Jay Kothari, project lead of Google Glass, revealed in a blog post that a small number of companies has been testing an enterprise-focused version of Google Glass for the last two years, and now the device is ready to be distributed more widely. According to Kothari, Google Glass has come a long way since it was last seen by the public.

“Workers in many fields, like manufacturing, logistics, field services, and healthcare find it useful to consult a wearable device for information and other resources while their hands are busy,” Kothari said. “That’s why we’ve spent the last two years working closely with a network of more than 30 expert partners to build customized software and business solutions for Glass for people in these fields. We’ve also made improvements to the design and hardware so that it’s lightweight and comfortable for long term wear. We’ve increased the power and battery life too.”

One of the companies that tested the new version of Google Glass is General Electric Co., which used the device to replace bulky aviation repair manuals used by technicians with GE Aviation. Other companies using Google Glass include AGCO Corp., DHL International GmbH, Dignity Health, NSF International, Sutter Health, The Boeing Co. and Volkswagen AG.

Peggy Gulick, director of business process improvement at AGCO, said that with Google Glass, “employees are now working smarter, faster and safer because they have the information they need right in their line of sight.”

According to Kothari, the Google Glass team is once again working at X and collaborating with the Google Cloud team to “help customers across a variety of business sectors make the most of Glass.”

Google said the cost of Google Glass Enterprise Edition varies based on the software customization, support and training needed by each company. Businesses interested in using Google Glass must go through Google’s third-party Glass Partners, which specialize in specific industries. Google has plans to bring on board more Glass Partners in the near future.

Photo: Google