Google buys startup North to support ‘ambient’ computing quest

Google acquired smart-glasses startup North Inc to help the internet giant develop what it calls ambient computing. A price wasn’t disclosed, but the Globe and Mail recently reported a $180 million deal was imminent.

North, based in Kitchener, Ontario, started developing a device in 2012 that responded to gestures and “neuro-muscular impulses,” then switched to Focals glasses that pick up on signals from people’s eyes.

Earlier this year, North was looking to sell itself because the startup was running low on cash. In a blog post announcing the deal with Google, North co-founders said they are winding down the first version of their Focals glasses and won’t be shipping the next model.