Intel is reported to be providing processors for the next version of Google’s Glass wearable, providing a high-profile boost for the silicon vendor in its attempts to gain a foothold in the fledgling market.

According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the Intel chip will replace silicon from TI. While sales of an Intel-powered Glass device is unlikely to do much for the company’s bottom line, it is nevertheless a high-profile design win in a technologically-advanced wearables product.

Brian Krzanich, Intel’s CEO, showcased concept products at CES 2014 in January, and since then has acquired health tracker company Basis and partnered with watchmaker Fossil.

Since its launch, Google Glass has been on the receiving end of criticism from consumers, relating to issues such as price, privacy and aesthetics.

But Google has also been pushing the product as a workplace tool through its Glass at Work programme. Members work across areas such as healthcare and logistics, with certified partners also eligible for co-branding.

However, according to WSJ, Google still sees Glass primarily as a consumer proposition, with less than 5 per cent of its employees working on Glass being focused on the enterprise market.