Google is going to introduce augmented reality glasses code-name “Project Iris” with amazing new feature. According to a report from Verge January 20, Google’s engineers are putting their efforts in building new Google’s AR glasses. They hope so to ship the product sometime in 2024.
Likewise, Apple’s Mixed Reality Glasses, Google’s augmented reality glasses will also be wireless. More, the glasses will use external cameras to show the real world in an augmented image. Project Iris might be unique in the sense that the Google’s device will depend on cloud computing rather than nearby hardware.
As report says Apple’s has had very much experience with augmented reality and wearable headsets. In the meantime, Google has a entire decade of work done, field-testing an initial pair of smart glasses. Google also has experience of developing an entire VR ecosystem.
Along with Pixel team, nearly 300 people are performing their roles for this top-secret Google project. The nice thing about these glasses is their resemblance with a pair of ski goggles.
The sources say that Google’s VP of lab, Clay Bavor leads this project. Clay Bavor is known for his involvement in several past AR/VR/XR projects for many years.
Those projects comprise Google Lens, ARCore and project Starline that was recently revealed. Project Starline makes it possible that the person you are remotely on video-call with is sitting straight in the front of you in physical space. This is because of the high resolution video call. In addition, due to the telepresence booth which utilizes both 3D displays technology and 3D sensors to create the illusion.
Interestingly, many of the projects Bavor has led have not converted into conventional products. The same could happen in this case too. Whereas, Google is now a party of current mixed reality technology arms race. Facebook relies on this kind of technology for its business in the future as it has rebranded as Meta. In the meantime, Apple is also considering mixed reality and augmented reality platform as it has plans for such products. Likewise, Microsoft is also investing in augmented reality and telepresence.
The history of Google with such type of technologies is deep. For example, in 2012 Google presented its Google AR Glass headset. Though Glass couldn’t be successful as a buyer product, enterprisers use it for their work. And Google developed smart glasses North last year.
The team leading key role in Project Iris includes; ARCore (Shahram Izadi) who is the senior engineering director in charge. And Eddie Chung who is also the senior engineering director and responsible for Google Lens. More, Google Assistant creator Scott Huffman and former Lytro CTO Kurt Akeley. One more key person is former Facebook AR software leader Mark Lucovsky.
Interestingly, there is no any confirmation from Google about this Project Iris and not even it responded to a request for a comment. But, it looks like Google project is moving in particular way that will push the AR headsets future into the mobile landscape where it should live.