Google’s next AR headset is more than just a daydream
After years of lackluster attempts in the augmented reality space, Google is pushing its cleats down with multiple augmented reality projects, two of which are currently targeted to be out within the next three years.
The Vergeis hearing from two sources about the plans which include “Project Iris,” an augmented reality headset that looks like a pair of “ski goggles” with cameras on them. The Google goggles run on some sort of custom silicon (it’s not clear whether it’s based on theGS101 chipfeatured in the Pixel 6) and appears not to need external power, though that may consequently require server-side graphics rendering that will be streamed back to it through the internet (thinkStadia). The device is currently being developed with Android, butreports in Decemberclaimed a special purpose operating system is on the front burner.
As to the workforce, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Clay Bavor, head of the newly reformedGoogle Labsanda longtime AR and VR directorwithin the company, is leading the team of 300 — including top engineers that have worked on Google Assistant,Lytro, and ARCore — from a building that’s secluded from the rest of the Alphabet workforce. Also of note, the Pixel team has made some contributions to Iris. Hundreds more are expected to be hired on in time to meet a 2024 launch window. There’s no firm go-to-market plan at this stage.
Separately, it’s been said thatProject Starline, a mixed reality teleconference solution withpromising results, is also getting a 2024 ship date and is being supported by former Magic Leap CTO Paul Greco, a relatively new hire. Google wants to initiate trials with some Fortune 500 companies.
There’s also a less definitive effort that may have to do with AR glasses. Google has reportedly retained most of the employees from its acquisition of wearables startupNorthin 2020. A raft of recent job postings related towaveguide technologyindicates a willingness to stick with the product category in spite of the saga left behind byGoogle Glass.
Iris and Starline are high-stakes projects with the potential to get Google into the game with Meta on the consumer side and Microsoft in enterprise. We’ve seen how Daydream VR, Google Glass, and Stadia haven’t been able to flourish with the usual tension between the lack of platform care and the lack of platform adoption leading to a lack of platform momentum. The challenge for the company whenever these go public? Get the balls rolling and keep them rolling.
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