In 2022, the tech world was abuzz with news of Google’s ambitious augmented reality (AR) project, codenamed “Iris.” The project aimed to develop smart glasses that would bring AR into the mainstream.
However, a recent report reveals that Google has shelved Project Iris, marking a significant shift in the company’s AR strategy.
The Birth and Death of Project Iris
Project Iris was Google’s attempt to create its own pair of smart glasses. The project was born from the company’s interest in AR and its potential applications. However, the project faced numerous challenges, including constant changes in strategy, which led to frustration among the team members.
The departure of Clay Bavor, who led AR/VR efforts at Google for 18 years, was another significant blow to the project.
The final nail in the coffin for Project Iris was a series of layoffs and reshuffles within the company. As a result, Google decided to cancel the project earlier this year. However, insiders suggest that Iris might be resurrected as work on AR technology continues.
Google’s New Focus: Android XR
Despite the cancellation of Project Iris, Google’s interest in AR is far from over. The tech giant is now focusing on creating software platforms for AR that it hopes to license to other manufacturers building headsets. This strategy is reminiscent of Google’s approach to its Android operating system, which various smartphone manufacturers use.
Google’s new AR software initiative is known as Android XR. The company is working closely with Samsung on this project to create “extended reality” wearable devices. Google is also reportedly working on a “micro XR” platform for glasses.
The Legacy of Project Iris
Even though Project Iris has been shelved, it has left a significant impact on Google’s AR strategy. The project led to the development of several AR prototypes and concepts. For instance, Google used Glass Enterprise with a Tensor-powered Pixel phone to test AR features like Google Tasks, language translation, and a camera app.
Moreover, the project led to the acquisition of North, a Canadian startup, in 2020. An early version of Iris closely resembled North’s first device, the Focals. Google also demoed a newer version of Iris featuring a real-time AR translation feature.
Bottom Line
The cancellation of Project Iris marks a significant shift in Google’s AR strategy. Instead of developing its own hardware, the company focuses on creating AR software that it can license to other manufacturers. This approach could potentially lead to broader adoption of AR technology, as it allows various manufacturers to incorporate Google’s AR software into their devices.
FAQs
1. What was Project Iris?
Project Iris was an initiative by Google to develop its own pair of smart glasses. The project was eventually canceled due to various challenges, including constant changes in strategy and a series of layoffs and reshuffles within the company.
2. What is Google’s current focus in AR?
Google is now focusing on developing AR software, or Android XR, which it plans to license to other manufacturers building headsets. The company is working with Samsung on this project.
3. Will Google ever resurrect Project Iris?
While Project Iris has been canceled, insiders suggest that it might be resurrected as Google continues to work on AR technology.
4. What is Android XR?
Android XR is an AR software initiative by Google. The company is working on this project to create “extended reality” wearable devices in collaboration with Samsung.
5. What impact did Project Iris have on Google’s AR strategy?
Project Iris led to the development of several AR prototypes and concepts. It also resulted in Google
acquiring North, a Canadian startup, and testing AR features using Glass Enterprise paired with a Tensor-powered Pixel phone. Despite its cancellation, the project has significantly influenced Google’s current AR strategy.
6. What is “micro XR”?
“Micro XR” is another AR software platform that Google reportedly works on for glasses. Details about this platform are currently limited.
7. Why did Google cancel Project Iris?
The cancellation of Project Iris was due to a combination of factors, including constant changes in strategy, a series of layoffs and reshuffles within the company, and the departure of Clay Bavor, who led AR/VR efforts at Google for 18 years.
8. How does Google’s AR strategy compare to its Android strategy?
Google’s current AR strategy is similar to its approach with Android. Instead of building its own hardware, the company is focusing on creating software platforms that it can license to other manufacturers. This approach allows various manufacturers to incorporate Google’s AR software into their devices, potentially leading to wider adoption of AR technology.
9. What were some of the AR features tested during the Project Iris era?
During the Project Iris era, Google tested several AR features using Glass Enterprise paired with a Tensor-powered Pixel phone. These features included Google Tasks, language translation, and a camera app.
10. What is the significance of Google’s acquisition of North?
Google’s acquisition of North, a Canadian startup, in 2020 played a significant role in the development of Project Iris. An early version of Iris closely resembled North’s first device, the Focals, indicating that the acquisition influenced the design and functionality of Google’s smart glasses.
And remember, in the world of tech, as one project gets shelved, another one takes its place. So, keep your eyes peeled (or should we say, keep your smart glasses on) for the next big thing in AR from Google!
