Google has unveiled new designs for its augmented reality eyewear, tailored for people who already have prescription lenses.
The new titanium range adds four styles including Bold, Curve, Thin and Split, for both prescription lenses, with prices starting at $150 (for the frame only- Google Glass hardware is currently priced at around $1500 amongst its selected ‘Explorer’ testers)
Google has also announced two styles of sunglasses – Classic and Edge. All will be sold with standard glass, but prescription lenses can be fitted.
The new styles will be initially available to Explorers (users who’ve participated in the Google Glass beta program) as a $225 upgrade option Tuesday afternoon. Qualified users who need prescription lenses and have vision insurance from VSP can get subsidized frames and lenses.
Google has teamed up with insurance provider Vision Service Plan (VSP) to train optometrists in the U.S. how to fit lenses to the new frames.
Google added that some insurance plans may even cover the cost of the frames. Plans for the UK have not been announced.
Isabelle Olsson, the lead designer for Google Glass, showcased the new frames during Google Glass Basecamp last week.
The Bold frames have been designed to ‘stand out’, while the Thin frame has been designed to be as discreet as possible.
All four designs are said to have been based on current fashion trends because, as Olsson explained: ‘We want as many people as possible to wear it.’
Google Glass currently comes in five colours including Charcoal, Shale, Cotton, Tangerine and Sky.
With the new range, Google claims there are now 40 different style options available.
‘People need to be able to choose,’ continued Olsson. ‘These products need to be lifestyle products.’
The Glass hardware fitted to the frames hasn’t changed, and features the existing optional ear bud and removable hardware.
Google launched its Glass technology in July 2012 and only people on the Glass Explorers program, or select friends and family, have been able to purchase the tech.
Rumours state Google is gearing up for a worldwide launch later this year, and the introduction of a prescription version adds weight to these claims.
Samsung is believed to be preparing its own ‘smart glasses’ to take on Google.
The firm is expected to launch the gadget at a major trade show in Berlin in September, according to reports.
It is already the first major firm to launch a smartwatch, and could beat Google to market with the smart eyewear.
Google launched its Glass technology in July 2012 and only people on the Glass Explorers program, or select friends and family, have been able to purchase the tech.
Rumours state Google is gearing up for a worldwide launch later this year, and the introduction of a prescription version adds weight to these claims.
View a new promo video fro the frames here:
