Google teases its AI powered AR Glasses during IO 2022 event

Sean — Fri, 13 May 2022 11:13:51 +0000

Google had recently held its I/O 2022 event. During this conference, the company had a number of new products as well as software based announcements. But, one of the most notable gadgets was an AR Glasses that was teased during the virtual event.

For those unaware, the Search engine giant had dabbled with augmented reality in the past with its Google Glass. But this product never hit the commercial market. But during the I/O event, the brand had teased an AR Glasses like product in a short video. In other words, this could be the successor to Google Glass. Notably, this teaser also arrives as the world shifts to the digital realms with announcements like the metaverse and companies like Apple, Meta, and Snap actively working on their own AR related products as well.

In the event, the company had announced the Pixel 6a, Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Watch, and showcased the design of the Pixel 7 series as well. However, packed in between these launches was the AR Glasses. Looking at the short teaser, we can see the product featuring AI real time language translation. This function was highlighted as a person standing in front was speaking a different language while the wearer received the translated version in the AR format on their glasses, which they could read.

Unfortunately, the teaser only showcased how the new glasses would work and showcased only one of its many features. We still have no idea what the product might look like. Furthermore, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed that the AR Glasses are still at an early prototype stage and is currently being tested. So we can expect to hear more from the company sometime in the future.

Google AR headset reportedly in the works in an ultrasecret facility

Zohaib Ahmed — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:51:48 +0000

Google is reportedly working on an Augmented Reality (AR) headset codenamed Project Iris. The device uses outward-facing cameras to record the real world and then add computer graphics on top of it, creating an immersive, mixed reality experience.

The information comes from a couple of sources familiar with the project who requested anonymity to speak without the company’s permission (via The Verge). They’ve revealed that the early prototypes are being built at a facility in the San Francisco Bay Area and look like ski goggles. The device does not need any wired connection to an external power source and is powered by a custom Google processor, just like the Google Pixel 6 series is.

As expected, the headset will be running Android, although recent job listings indicate that Google is working on a new OS for an ‘innovative AR device,’ meaning the company might soon be getting another OS to its name after Android, Chrome OS, and Fuchsia.

Given power constraints, Google’s strategy is to utilize its data centers for rendering some graphics remotely and then beaming them to the headset over the internet.

The sources have also revealed that the Pixel team is involved in Project Iris as well but it’s unknown if the headset will eventually be Pixel-branded. Still, we can be sure of the Google Glass name being off-limits since the name is still registered for the ill-fated gadget from a decade ago.

Project Iris seems to be a big deal considering its extremely secret nature, tucked away in a building that requires keycard access and everything. The core team working on it is made of roughly 300 people and Google plans on expanding it by a whole lot.

As for the release date, the AR headset could be making its way through as soon as 2024 along with Project Starline. The latter is an ultra-high-resolution video chat booth and was demoed last year.

Google augmented reality Archives - Gizmochina

Google teases its AI powered AR Glasses during IO 2022 event

Google AR headset reportedly in the works in an ultrasecret facility