Google Reportedly Killed Its ‘Project Iris’ AR Smart Glasses: Here’s Why

Google’s Project Iris, the search large’s multi-year plan to construct augmented actuality (AR) sensible glasses, has been shut down by the corporate, in line with a report. The firm was engaged on creating a pair of AR sensible glasses that resembled a pair of spectacles, in contrast to the Apple Vision Pro combined actuality headset that was just lately introduced by Apple at WWDC 2023. Instead of constructing a wearable AR system. Google reportedly plans to proceed creating AR software program and companies whereas OEM companions work on launching AR {hardware}.

According to a Business Insider report, Google was working for a number of years on Project Iris, the corporate’s wearable AR glasses, however the firm cancelled the venture earlier this yr. The search large cancelled Project Iris following a sequence of setbacks together with job cuts and the departure of its chief of AR and VR, Clay Bavor, as per the report that cites three sources conscious of the developments.

Last yr, Google introduced that it will start out of doors testing of its AR-powered glasses that provided real-time translation throughout completely different languages, in August. The firm had additionally acknowledged in a weblog publish that it was engaged on different options like AR-based navigation that might be capable to show particulars of busy intersections and climate circumstances.     

Instead, Google is reportedly engaged on the event of an Android prolonged actuality (XR) software program platform for unique gear producer (OEM) companions like Samsung, to assist them construct AR/VR headsets. The software program for the platform is being developed within the type of a prototype codenamed Betty, in line with the report.

Back in February, Samsung introduced that it will collaborate with Google and Qualcomm to develop a brand new XR headset, stating that the system can be accessible quickly. Earlier this yr, Samsung reportedly filed a trademark for AR- and VR-capable Galaxy Glasses, which suggests the corporate might be planning to unveil a wearable headset within the coming months.

However, not one of the three companies concerned have supplied extra info concerning the headset, together with particulars of its look. The Business Insider report cites two Google staff who declare the corporate’s groups proceed to work on AR and that Project Iris might be rebooted in some unspecified time in the future sooner or later.