Most of us remember the last time Google created a headset that uses Augmented Reality (AR). Called Google Glass, the device was ahead of its time. Google expected big things from the product and reportedly started to plan nationwide fitting centers where consumers would be measured for their $1,500 glasses.
Is Google about to try again to develop an AR headset for consumers?
Also similar to its newest Pixel handsets, the headset will run on Android although recent job listings reveal that Google is working on a unique OS. Back in December, the former head of mixed reality operating system work at Meta, Mark Lucovsky, revealed his new title as operating system engineering director at Google via LinkedIn post. “My role is to lead the Operating System team for Augmented Reality at Google,”Lucovsky noted.
Job listings made by Google point to the development of a new operating system and smartglasses. We jump to that conclusion because some of the jobs available are for positions in Waterloo, Ontario. That might mean something because that is where North was located.
Focals 2.0, which never was officially unveiled, was supposed to be smaller and lighter, and feature a larger lens and sharper graphics. There also was speculation about an integrated camera.
Google could release its AR headset in 2024
That Project Iris is a big deal can be inferred by how hard it is to access the building where work on the project is supposedly being done. The Verge notes that the only way to get into the building is through the use of a special key card and those working on it must affix their John Hancock to a Non-Disclosure form (sound painful, to be honest with you). The headcount on the project is 300 at last count and will be moving higher.
