Almost 10 years have passed since Google’s last take on AR - Google Glass. Now, the tech giant seems to be gearing up for the release of a new AR/VR headset, codenamed “Project Iris”. Given that Apple already released an AR/VR headset of its own (the Apple Vision Pro, unveiled last year at WWDC 2023, and now available for purchase), Google will be facing some stiff competition.
There are conflicting rumors about Google's Project Iris. Some sources claim that Google scrapped the project and is collaborating with Samsung on an AR-focused headset. On the flip side, there are indications that Google is actively developing Project Iris. We've made an effort to gather all available information on this rumored Google device in one comprehensive overview.
In short, Google is stepping into the world of dedicated hardware with an AR/VR headset. Right now, the device is still in its early stages of development, so all the details we have are preliminary and could change down the line.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Google is preparing to launch an AR/VR headset. Both market analysts and reliable leakers seem to agree that Google is strategically making its move into the AR/VR market. This positions the tech giant to compete with major rivals like Meta and Apple in the evolving landscape of augmented and virtual reality.
Notably, the New York Times covered the company’s plans for producing an AR/VR headset in an article of their own back in December 2021. Additionally, job openings on Google’s website revealed that the tech giant is recruiting experts for the development of an “innovative AR device”. The biggest scoop on the Google AR/VR Headset comes in the form of an article published by the Verge some time ago based on internal information disclosed by two anonymous Google employees.
According to the article, the Google AR/VR headset “uses outward-facing cameras to blend computer graphics with a video feed of the real world, creating a more immersive, mixed reality experience than existing AR glasses”.
Insiders are currently anticipating the launch of the Google AR/VR headset in 2024, according to reports from The Verge. However, experts caution that it's still too early to nail down a definite release date.
Given the earlier speculation about whether the device will be released at all, it's best to approach any release date predictions with a grain of salt for now.
The Verge's latest report sheds light on challenges faced by project Iris, including layoffs and strategic shifts, especially since Google's VR/AR leader, Clay Bavor, departed four months ago. Notably, Kurt Akeley, previously associated with the project, has updated his LinkedIn status to "retired." With these uncertainties, a concrete release date remains elusive.
A launch in 2024 is possible, but somewhat optimistic, as even if the project did not get canceled, the Google AR/VR headset should be still in its relatively early phases of development. As of July 2022, Google is reportedly already field-testing its headset. The company has distributed a limited number of prototype units under a strict veil of secrecy. This leak was originally published by the Verge and you can read our dedicated coverage on the matter here.
Google AR/VR headset price
With limited details available on the hardware specifications of the Google AR/VR headset, making an accurate prediction about its final price is challenging. The overall cost will depend significantly on production expenses and the extent of Google's investment in research and development for this venture.
A price in the range of the Oculus headset lineup (around $300-400) appears improbable. A more realistic expectation is a pricing tier similar to the Apple Vision Pro, commencing at $3,499. It seems reasonable to anticipate that the Google AR/VR headset will fall somewhere within these benchmarks, likely at a more budget-friendly price.
Google VR/AR headset specification
An article from the Verge is one of our limited semi-credible sources for deducing the technical specifications of the device. According to it, the Google AR/VR headset is likely to be powered by a proprietary Google processor (possibly a Tensor) and will also likely be running on a custom operating system, created by Google specifically for the device.
In May 2022 we learned about Google’s acquisition of Raxium, a tech startup that specializes in MicroLED technologies. The latter, because of its ability to facilitate displays that are high in quality, yet small and energy-efficient, is perfectly suited for use in VR and AR headsets. The deal was intentionally kept under the radar, with Google disclosing little information about the specifics.
A recent article asserts that one of the major features of Google's headset is going to be cloud streaming. According to the source, "Google is considering using cloud streaming to compute AR content to get around technical limitations like limited processing power".
Google AR/VR headset comparisons
As previously mentioned, the Apple Vision Pro, unveiled at WWDC 2023, is already available in the US. If Google does launch its own AR/VR headset, Apple could prove to be one of its toughest competitors in the market.
In addition to Apple’s device, there are already a number of established leaders in the AR/VR market with which Google will have to compete. Most notably, Google will have to compete with the Meta Quest Pro - previously known as Project Cambria - one of the most advanced (and costly) mainstream VR headsets to date.
Last year saw the launch of Meta's Quest 3, further intensifying the battle for dominance in the AR/VR space. Rumors are circulating about a potential collaboration between Google and Samsung on an AR/VR headset, indicating a possible joint strategy to tackle the fierce competition.
While there are other less prominent competitors in the AR/VR space, including offerings from companies like HTC, the real giants Google should keep an eye on are Apple and Meta. These two tech powerhouses, with their significant presence and resources, pose substantial competition in the AR/VR headset arena.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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