Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) bagged a vital deal to supply processors for a new version of Google Glass which is expected to show up next year, says a report from The Wall Street Journal, which cites sources familiar with the matter. The news, if true, would be the chip maker’s latest move in wearable technology industry, and a significant one too.
Has Intel replaced Texas Instruments?
Prior to Intel, Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:TXN) was the supplier of the electronic brains for the first version of Google Glass, according to The WSJ. One of the sources familiar with Intel Corp’s plan informed The WSJ that the chip maker wants to promote wearables among hospital networks and manufacturers, along with creating a new market for the device.
The eye wearable was launched by Google in 2012 in the consumer gadget category, but there were wide criticisms about the lack of privacy. However, Google Glass caught the attention of a significant number of people as an alternative to the standard workplace computing device.
A person said Intel will not change Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s focus on promoting the use of Glass at the workplace, as the internet giant keeps the device in the consumer device category. According to Eric Johnsen, vice president of business development at APX Labs, the Intel-powered Google Glass will probably come with more battery life, which would be good news for both consumers and companies.
Positive sign for Intel
Intel is working with Google on various projects. For example, the chip maker powers Google’s servers, and both the companies are working together to advance Google’s Android and Chrome operating systems. Additionally, Intel’s Xeon chips are being used in Google’s self-driving cars, and the company’s Atom chips are used in the Nexus player, a new Google streaming media device.
According to Kevin Spain, a general partner of venture capital firm Emergence Capital, Intel’s participation is a positive sign, as it is beyond Glass, about general wearable technology. It means the company is looking beyond its core business of designing chips for personal computers and servers in data centers and is striving to make a mark in the wearable market. However, it has strong rivals in the segment in the form of ARM Holdings plc (ADR) (NASDAQ:ARMH) (LON:ARM) and Texas Instruments.
As of now, there have been no comments from Google, Intel or Texas Instruments.
