Google Glass team reportedly named Project Aura; new talent and devices incoming

The Glass team is still working hard on the consumer version of Google’s augmented reality headset. They stopped selling the $1,500 developer iteration earlier this year, with the plan of polishing the product and making it something we could all afford and use. But it now seems the team behind Google Glass is looking far beyond those tiny screens in front of their eyes.

According to Business Insider, “sources familiar with the matter” swear the team behind Google Glass is now known as Project Aura (not to be confused with Project Ara). It’s also apparent the group is no longer focusing only on this head-mounted gadget. This report suggests Project Aura is to expand its plans and start working on wearables, as well. The source describes Project Aura as something along the lines of “Google Glass and beyond”.

In addition to taking on more endeavors, Project Aura is to welcome some talented new members. What’s more interesting is that the company recruited this new employees from Amazon’s Lab126, the online retailer’s hardware division (which let go of plenty workers recently). These include software development manager Dima Svetlov, manager of technical program management Tina Chen and director of software development Amir Frenke.

Obviously, no one is commenting on the matter just yet. We will have to wait until this develops before we get to see what Project Aura is really all about. So far all we have heard about Glass is that the 2nd generation is being launched with professionals in mind, mostly targeting those in healthcare, energy and manufacturing. A second report says it will come with improved battery life (thankfully!), a stronger Intel Atom processor and a larger prism display for more comfortable viewing.

What is to come out of this Project Aura ordeal (if it even exists)? We are not sure, but rumors say Google is still dedicated to Glass and a consumer version is to come. Now, I wonder what those side wearable projects are all about.