Though Google Glass was a swing and a miss, Google looks like it still interested in developing AR applications. The company has just announced it is entering into a partnership with Magic Leap to presumably develop an AR/XR platform. Google had previously stated that it had halted all AR hardware development, choosing instead to focus on software to develop a universal platform for emerging AR applications.
“We look forward to bringing together Magic Leap’s leadership in optics and manufacturing with our technologies to bring a wider range of immersive experiences to market,” said Shahram Izadi, Vice President and General Manager of AR/XR at Google. “By combining efforts, we can foster the future of the XR ecosystem with unique and innovative product offerings.”
WATCH: Google Veo is the latest in hyperrealistic AI-generated video
On the new partnership, Magic Leap Chief Technology Officer, Julie Larson-Green said, “This partnership accelerates the transformative power of AR by combining our extensive optics capabilities with Google’s technologies to continue to advance immersive experiences to the developer ecosystem and for customers. We are looking forward to expanding the potential of XR – blending the physical world with valuable, contextually relevant solutions.”
Last year, reports emerged that Google was partnering with Samsung and Qualcomm to develop a rival to the Apple Vision Pro. No new reports have emerged on that front, but judging from Magic Leap’s manufacturing expertise of AR glasses, Google may be looking to combat the Vision Pro by committing to less-obtrusive glasses instead of a full headset like Apple’s offerings.
