Magic Leap and Google have entered into a strategic partnership to develop augmented reality solutions, combining Magic Leap’s optics expertise with Google’s technology platforms. “By combining efforts, we can foster the future of the XR ecosystem with unique and innovative product offerings.” Google VP and General Manager of AR/XR Shahram Izadi said of the union, seen by some as effort by Google to jumpstart an XR business that could someday be competitive with offerings from Meta, Microsoft and now Apple. The company was an early mover in the space, with Google Cardboard and Google Glass, but dropped out.

“Behind the scenes, companies like Meta, Apple, and Google are racing each other toward that future — one they hope will see all-day AR glasses become as big as the smartphone,” Road to VR writes, noting that “while consumer VR headsets have been around for years now, none of the world’s major technology companies have launched consumer-focused AR glasses.”

As the Meta Quest and PC VR offerings like HTC Vive have shown, affordably priced high fidelity VR, with tracking and motion sensors were able to find a fan base, primarily among gamers. Sony’s PlayStation VR2 and Samsung HMD Odyssey also made inroads.

But even among the tech companies leading the pack, “those headsets are ultimately stepping stones in the eyes of Google, Meta, and Apple,” which are “gunning for a future where the reality-altering experience of VR can be merged with the real-world through lightweight AR glasses that people can wear all day,” Road to VR explains.

While Google Glass and Magic Leap did not achieve the same commercial success, it is possible that “their underlying ideas power something worthy and new,” The Verge points out.

Google has a hand in Samsung’s next-gen headset, TechRadar reports, surmising the Alphabet company is contributing software, while Sony-made micro-OLED displays are also expected to be part of that package.

As the field heats up, “a Magic Leap and Google team up could be bad news for Meta and Apple,” TechRadar speculates, musing over what a “Google Glass 2” could look and feel like. Design-wise, “a lot more like a typical pair of specs” and less “space age,” is the conclusion.

While modern AR glasses will undoubtedly have a camera, it won’t be so obvious, and the glasses will be pleasant to wear even when the battery dies, a la Ray-Ban Meta, TechRadar predicts, noting “the other big feature will most likely be AI,” which Google brings to the party with Gemini.

Related:
Magic Leap and Google Are Entering into a Partnership to Advance the Potential of XR Technologies, Magic Leap, 5/30/24