Google’s AR ambitions are not unknown to the world. The tech giant previously acquired the glasses maker North in 2020. Today, Rick Osterloh, SVP, Devices and Services at Google confirmed that the company has successfully acquired Raxium.

Raxium is a 5 years old startup based in Fremont, California. The company develops microLED displays used in AR headsets and similar devices. microLED is an emerging technology that has tremendous potential, but most of its applications are for large, expensive screens, such as wall-mounted signage.

The MicroLED startup is yet to launch any product, but it has reportedly developed a more efficient manufacturing technique for MicroLED that may reduce production costs. MicroLEDs have the potential to be used in devices like smart glasses, as well as in VR.

Google’s acquisition of Raxium indicates that the company is seriously dedicated to developing the components required to make AR devices a reality.

The Information was the first to break the news of this acquisition and reported that Google has paid $1 billion to buy the microLED startup. The Information noted that Raxium is working on “monolithic integration” for microLEDs, which means manufacturing them with the same kind of silicon that is used for most processors to reduce the price down.

Google is not a newcomer to the AR segment. The company was in fact one of the first to develop a commercial AR device with Google Glass. However, Google Glass failed to impress the consumers and received a strong backlash.

It appears that all the big names in the tech industry are focused on entering the AR segment. Meta and Apple have made similar acquisitions, and Microsoft has already delivered an augmented reality device with HoloLens. Snapchat is also reported to be investing heavily to develop its own AR glasses.

Related:

• Google’s Pixel Watch is rumored to feature cellular connectivity & a 300mAh battery 
• Google’s upcoming Pixel 6a smartphone may not come with Motion Mode feature
• Internet users can now request for the removal of their personal data from Google search results

The post Google acquired microLED startup Raxium to fulfill its AR ambitions appeared first on Gizmochina.

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.

RELATED:

• Google brings Android games to Windows, but its in limited beta
• Google Keep’s numbered lists are giving Samsung users running Android 12 a hard time
• Safari bug lets nefarious sites scoop your browsing history and Google account info
• Google foldable smartphone could be called Pixel Notepad; pricing details tipped
• PUBG maker is suing Apple, Google, & Free Fire developer Garena

The post Google AR headset reportedly in the works in an ultrasecret facility appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Glass 2 Enterprise edition is all set to unveil here with a set of new features. It has appeared at FCC certification agency in the US. The new version for the Google Glasses aka. Google Glasses 2nd Gen. Enterprise Edition is all set to sail through the Global market by next year. It will bring upgraded features which will improve the overall usability of the Glasses. The new device bears a model number of A4R-GG2 and is certified by FCC in the US.

Although, there are very minimal details and information that has revealed at FCC website. Rather than the model number we have successfully figured its design from detailed preset. It will have the same button and hinge mechanism allowing the device to fold, a power button on the backside, and a Glass logo. Along with the similar design aspects, there might be some specs improvements also. It will have a good processor, battery life and improved core features.

We expect its formal announcement from Google side very soon as FCC has approved it in the US. It’s predecessor, and Google Glass Enterprise edition carries dual band WiFi, audible speaker, an LED, Intel Atom CPU, 32 GB storage and a 780 mAh battery. Well, Google Glass 2 Enterprise Edition will come with considerable improvements to make space for some new features. Despite new additions, there won’t be any 4G support as expected but will get Bluetooth and WiFi options.

• Read More: Huawei to release head-mounted AR glasses within the next two years

Well, we think Google Glass 2 Enterprise Edition might launch in 2019, and even folks at MySmartPrice believes that it won’t hit the shelves in 2018. The pricing and other availability details are not yet available, but we expect it to be available for $1500.

Additionally, the AR market is evolving, Cupertino giant is also preparing a similar AR Glasses. Facebook has even started the development for the AR-based products, and moreover, Huawei has also jumped into the development of a similar AR based product.

How many of you are waiting for the standard Google Glasses?

(Via 1, 2)

The post Google Glass 2 hits FCC, formal announcement expected soon but launch might get delayed till 2019 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Are yo planning to buy the Google Glass?, this is the awesome device but this not for ordinary consumer since Google is offers this smart glasses with $1,500 USD prie or about 9380 yuan price.

But now, there is ChipShip manufacturer that develop the Google Glass-like device or we called as Google Glass knock-off, the device is show at Computex Taipei 2014 and this smart glasses is offers with more affordable price.

The taiwanese manufacturer, ChipShip is develop the SiME Smart Glass, the device is look similar and has nice design and color. The device has 1280 × 720 resolution video display, this smart glasses is also has camera for take a picture.

Interestingly, the glasses is offers with more affordable price just only $500 USD price or about 3,125 yuan price per unit.

SiME Smart Glasses has powered by Cortex-A9 dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and 4GB of memory and 1GB of storage space, running with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system. The 5 megapixel camera can be used for taking a picture or capture the video.

SiME smart glasses also supports 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless networking, Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities, and built-in battery capacity of 570 mAh, the battery life is probably in between 70-90 minutes. And capable to update to Android 4.4 KitKat operating system when available.

The post The Google Glass knock-off is came from Taiwanese manufacturer appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Glass is officially release for cunsumer now, and you can bought this wearable device and use in your daily life, and now Google Glass is also has ability to use as a payment.

According to the news, the Google Glass user are already testing an app that would enable you to simply send money to someone using Glass and the voice command “send money.”

This is very interesting since Google is also offers a payment method such as Google wallet and Google Glass will becoming the popular device for a near future. That’s interesting choice for Glass user.

The post Google Glass is now ready to use for payment appeared first on Gizmochina.

The one of biggest search engine site in China, Baidu is also developing its own Google Glass. This technology is called Eye by Baidu.

Baidu Eye will reportedly come with platform that is open to all developers, like also offered by Google Glass. Additionally Eye will also come with LCD display, and also bone sensing images through voice recognition.

Eye will allow users to conduct a lot of activities, including surfing the web, make phone calls, and send pictures. The Company reported that it is working with Qualcomm to enable the product and the battery life is up to 12 hours.

The post Baidu Eye, the smart glasses ready to compete with Google Glass appeared first on Gizmochina.