Google job ads hint at the rebirth of Glass wearable

Firm advertising for 'human factors' design and 'audio hardware' experts

Google may be closing in on the rebirth of its Glass technology, having suspended sales earlier this year to make way for a next-generation device.

Google's connected glasses were launched in 2013, and were reasonably popular for a while. The company stopped selling them in mid-January this year, but said that it would continue its focus on wearables.

A number of job ads on the Google careers pages now show that the firm is looking for people with skills that are relevant to the area. Jobs include an audio hardware manager and someone with experience of human factors design.

"As a human factors designer you're a strong user advocate who contributes to the success of Google's wearable products through human factors research and design. You will provide expertise and lead the research projects to yield solid design insights," said the latter advert.

"You will participate in the industrial design portfolio development and product definition to ensure that our products strike the right balance between user experience, profitability and innovation.

"You must think strategically and tactically to support long-term and short-term objectives."

The audio hardware manager, meanwhile, is expected to "lead the development and execution of audio hardware solutions in new products and concepts".

However, the nut of the adverts, and the real clue to the Google Glass theme, is the rider at the bottom of each post in which applicants are advised that they will be working with a world-class team with a very special goal.

"The Google Glass division is a world-class team focused on the cutting edge of hardware, software and industrial design," it said.

"It is charged with pioneering, developing, building and launching smart eyewear and other related products in line with Google's ambitious and visionary objectives."