MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.—Google announced last week that it is partnering with Maui Jim and Zeal Optics to include a “sunglass shade” with every new pair of Google Glass it sells. Diagrams posted online by Google show how to attach the shades, which appear to be a removable sun shield, to the thin, metal Glass frame. Both the shades and a clear protective shield will be sold through Google’s online Glass store.




Google also announced that it is releasing a “hardware update” for Glass Explorers—the early adopters of the high tech specs—that will allow Glass to work with “future lines of sunglasses and prescription frames.” The media giant did not specify which eyewear products or brands might be involved. Explorers who purchased Glass prior to Oct. 28, 2013 are eligible for the one-time swap-out.

The redesigned Glass also includes a mono earbud that will provide an alternative to the bone conduction audio available in the current version.