Google Glass goes back to the drawing board

The Glass project was being developed at Google X, the research and development lab, which has birthed many of the company’s other products including its driverless car.

In a statement Google said it was moving the Glass team to become part of Google proper and added: “As part of this transition, we’re closing the Explorer Program so we can focus on what’s coming next.”

Glass will now be it its own entity within Google and it will be headed up by Ivy Ross, whose team will report into Tony Fadell – founder and chief executive of Nest Labs, which specialises in smart thermostat products and was acquired by Google last year. 

Ross who has a background in jewellery design was appointed as head of Google Glass last year.

Google had tried to address aesthetic and desirability issues by investing in a partnership with eyewear company Luxottica group.

Today is the last day that the Glass Explorer Edition will be available but Google said that: “You’ll start to see future versions of Glass when they’re ready”.

The Explorer Programme has ben running since 2013 and has seen Glass owners work with Google to give feedback on the product in exchange for support.

The programme will be wound down and closed but “Explorers” will still be able to use their devices and access support under warranty.

Meanwhile the Glass at Work service, which sees Google work with enterprise developers and companies will still be continuing.