Google Kills Project Iris of AR Smart Glasses, Shifts Focus to Software
Google has reportedly discontinued the development of its ambitious augmented reality (AR) glasses, Project Iris. In what comes as a surprising move, the tech giant has decided to pull the plug on its AR glasses project, indicating a shift in its strategy towards AR technology.
Project Iris, unveiled earlier in January, was Google’s foray into the augmented reality headgear market. The project was designed to compete against similar initiatives from rivals Meta and Apple. The cessation of Project Iris means that Google’s specialized translation glasses, as well as versions equipped with transcription and navigation features, are also likely to be discontinued. These glasses were expected to be tested publicly starting in July last year.
However, this does not signify Google’s exit from the AR space. The company has decided to pivot its focus towards software, reportedly working on a “micro XR” platform that it could license to other headset manufacturers. This move is reminiscent of Google’s Android strategy, which provides a robust operating system to a vast ecosystem of mobile phones.
Google’s initial prototype, a ski goggle-like headset, might still be in the pipeline, albeit not exclusively a Google product. Earlier this year, Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm vaguely announced a partnership on a new mixed-reality platform. The said headset may serve as the foundation for an upcoming Samsung headset. This wouldn’t be the first time Google and Samsung have collaborated to create a cutting-edge product that Google wasn’t prepared to build independently. A previous collaboration saw Google modify Android to support Samsung’s Galaxy Fold line of folding phones.
Project Iris was reportedly faced with multiple challenges, including layoffs and shifting strategies during development. Google’s head of VR/AR, Clay Bavor, left the company four months ago. Kurt Akeley, a distinguished engineer involved with the project, is now listed as “retired” on his LinkedIn page, while two others, including Mark Lucovsky, the company’s senior director of operating systems for AR, are still listed as being involved with AR.
In 2020, Google acquired the AR glasses company North for an undisclosed amount. Many of North’s employees, including co-founders Stephen Lake, Matthew Bailey, and Aaron Grant, continue to work for Google, suggesting that the company’s interest in AR technology is far from over.
