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), Google will be facing some stiff competition.
Rumors surrounding Google's Project Iris are a bit mixed. Some sources claim that Google has put the project on hold to collaborate with Samsung on an AR-focused headset. On the other hand, there are indications that Google is making strides with Project Iris. Here is a comprehensive overview of all the available information on this rumored Google device.
In short, Google is diving into dedicated hardware with an AR/VR headset. Right now, the device is still in the early stages of development, which means the information we have is just preliminary and could change as things progress.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Google is gearing up to launch an AR/VR headset. Market analysts and trusted leakers alike agree that Google is making a strategic entry into the AR/VR space. This move positions the tech giant to compete with major players like Meta and Apple in the rapidly evolving world 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 report sheds light on challenges faced by project Iris, including layoffs and strategic shifts, especially since Google's VR/AR leader, Clay Bavor, departed from the company. 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.
Given the limited details on the hardware specifications of the Google AR/VR headset, accurately predicting its final price is challenging. The overall cost will depend largely on production expenses and the level of investment Google puts into research and development for this project.
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".
Recently, Google partnered with Magic Leap, an augmented reality company, likely to collaborate on its AR glasses, so we anticipate more details to emerge soon.
Google AR/VR headset comparisons
As mentioned earlier, the Apple Vision Pro, which was unveiled at WWDC 2023, is already available in the US. If Google does launch its own AR/VR headset, Apple is likely to be one of its biggest 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 players in the AR/VR space, like offerings from HTC, the real giants Google needs to watch are Apple and Meta. These two tech powerhouses have a strong presence and ample resources, making them significant competitors in the AR/VR headset market.
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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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