Google has reportedly scrapped plans to launch a pair of augmented actuality (AR) glasses. The cancellation of the gadget, reportedly codenamed Project Iris, marks the third time the firm’s supposedly thrown in the towel on AR glasses. The most up-to-date specs have been anticipated to grow to be Google’s second foray into client tech and have a extra mainstream-friendly look than Google Glass.
In January 2022, the rumor mill churned out its first particulars on Project Iris, because of a report from The Verge citing nameless sources “acquainted with the undertaking.” Iris was reportedly wi-fi with exterior cameras and left heavy graphical processing duties to the cloud.
Last yr’s report additionally described prototypes in improvement as being ski goggle-like, however Business Insider’s report Monday claimed that these prototypes have been truly for Google’s AR partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm to make a blended actuality (MR) platform. Google introduced the undertaking alongside minimal particulars in February 2023.
Insider’s report Monday cited three unnamed individuals “acquainted with the matter” who mentioned the goggles, after being in improvement for years, have been canned “earlier this yr.” This reportedly got here after a sequence of layoffs and company reshuffling at the firm, together with the departure of Clay Bavor. The 18-year Google exec introduced his departure to begin an AI agency in February. Bavor’s most up-to-date roles at Google have been main the VR/AR division for almost seven years and heading the Labs division.
“Insiders say Google leaders stored altering the technique for Iris, which led to the staff regularly pivoting path, irritating many workers,” Insider reported.
AR for Android
Now, Google will reportedly hone its AR software program somewhat than construct AR {hardware}. According to Insider, the conglomerate is concentrated on creating an AR software program platform—one Google hopes could possibly be the “Android for AR,” one worker reportedly instructed Insider—for headset makers to license. The prototyping platform is reportedly internally named Betty. Potential companions embrace Samsung and extra.
Of course, it is common for Google to cancel initiatives and for developmental ones by no means to see mainstream launch. Without Bavor’s management amid the reported cost-cutting efforts from Google CEO Sundar Pichai, together with the axing of Google’s laptop computer division, there’s possible little wiggle room for brand spanking new client {hardware} endeavors round rising expertise. Focusing on AR instruments might let Google construct and earn money off AR partnerships with out instantly worrying about getting shoppers enthusiastic about AR gear, one thing Google’s failed to attain in the previous.
The information comes after Apple delivered shockwaves with an MR headset constructed above and past something the client XR area has seen up to now. The $3,500 Vision Pro is not a client headset for now, however it teases what a well-developed MR future might appear like.
Meta, in the meantime, introduced the Quest 3 MR headset for this fall. And The Information has reported that Meta will launch a dev model of latest AR glasses subsequent yr; though, Meta’s new AR glasses aren’t anticipated to achieve shoppers till 2027.
Despite what different Big Tech corporations are doing, Google focusing on software program might tackle an apparent ache level in client AR adoption: discovering enjoyable and useful makes use of that develop curiosity in utilizing the expertise every day. Of course, Google AR software program improvement might focus on enterprise makes use of, too.
Glass half empty
That leaves desires of a Google AR {hardware} resurrection occurring quickly murky, proper after a interval when it appeared extra doable than it had in years.
In 2020, Google purchased North, maker of the Focals AR glasses. Focals stood out amongst AR specs up to now by trying like a daily pair of glasses (I even obtained away with sporting a pair round the zoo with minimal double takes from passersby), a characteristic that the Glass sorely missed. Google even promoted AR-based translation options on a discreet-looking pair of AR glasses final yr, whereas Pichai has touted AR developments, like multi-search, scene exploration, and Live and immersive views in Maps. and AR options for Google Lens.
But Google stopped promoting Google Glass Enterprise Edition in March and hasn’t had a consumer-facing AR headset since 2013’s authentic Google Glass. Ahead of its time and too questionable-looking to set any traits, Google stopped promoting the client goggles in 2015.
Insider cited two workers who claimed Google might deliver again Iris and that there are nonetheless groups exploring AR applied sciences, although some Iris-focused groups have moved on to the Betty platform or Google’s MR partnership with Samsung.
Google did not reply to Ars’ request for remark.