Google Glass To Get Prescription Design

Google is working with eyewear companies to make fashionable frames and lenses that are compatible with its Google Glass wearable computing device. The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that the Internet giant was in talks with VSP Global, a vision benefits provider, to develop special prescription lenses using Glass. Google is also looking to work with optometrists in order to ensure that they are able to fit their patients with the device when it launches.

Google Glass has seen considerable excitement among some in the tech world, but some have complained that the device is unsightly, giving wearers an unfashionable look. Integrating it better into prescription glasses could give Google the opportunity to tap a market of more than 110 million Americans already wearing prescription eyewear.

Google has already been working with Rochester Optical on creating prescription lenses compatible with its device. Rochester has been testing a number of Google's Explorer Edition headsets in its lab facilities, with the goal of developing version that could be worn without the need for the Glass headset.

Google has been continually tweaking aspects of Glass' functionality. Earlier this month, it added Play Music compatibility to the device, as well as an $85 earbud attachment that provides better sound than the current design. Google also recently opened an accessory store for Glass, which may see wider release as early as the first quarter of next year.