THE NEWS WRAP: Google Glass coming with new frames, prescription lenses

Google has announced a series of new frame designs for its Google Glass augmented reality headset, as well as the option of getting prescription lenses fitted, ahead of its launch later this year.

The tech giant has announced a deal with US-based optical health insurance provider Vision Service Plan that will see prescription lenses fitted to the device.

The company has also unveiled its “Bold” and “Curve” frame designs, which will retail at $US225, as well as a range of different sunglass-style designs for $US150.

Morry Schwartz to launch a new broadsheet newspaper

Morry Schwartz, the publisher of the Quarterly Essay and the Monthly, has announced he will launch a new weekly print newspaper on March 1.

The newspaper, named the Saturday Paper, will feature a range of prominent columnists including David Marr, Christos Tsiolkas, Robert Manne and Kirsty Simpson.

It is set to be sold in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, with the first issue coming out on the same day Fairfax converts its weekend editions of The Age and Sydney Morning Herald newspapers to a compact format.

Abbott pushes for ABCC return as CFMEU corruption allegations mount

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has argued for the reintroduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) as allegations of bribery, extortion and threats of violence rock the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).

The building industry watchdog, which was originally created under the Howard government, was abolished by former prime minister Julia Gillard in 2012.

“What today’s revelations demonstrate is the absolute pressing need for the reestablishment of the [ABCC] with full power, full authority, full funding,” Abbott says.

“If the Labor Party is serious about tackling corruption again they will stop standing in the way of the reestablishment of a strong cop on the beat in that particular industry.

“The commission should have full authority to ensure that the law is upheld. Full authority to ensure that the law is upheld in an industry which has been long marked by lawlessness.”

Overnight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up to 15932. The Aussie dollar is up to US87.75 cents.