Report that Google returned the AR headset development project 'Project Iris' to the blank

In January 2023, it was reported that Google is proceeding with ' Project Iris ' to develop an AR headset. However, it is reported that Google has discontinued Project Iris and is focusing on building software instead of hardware.

Google has reportedly killed its Project Iris augmented reality glasses - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/27/23776144/google-project-iris-ar-glasses-goggles-dead-alive

In 2022, it was reported that Google is developing an AR headset while Meta and Microsoft are working on VR and AR for the Metaverse concept. This development project was called 'Project Iris' and was being promoted with the goal of releasing it in 2024.

Information on Google's next AR headset 'Project Iris' leaks - GIGAZINE

After that, at the developer event ' Google I / O 2022 ' held in May 2022, the existence of AR glasses that automatically transcribes the words spoken by the other party on the spot and translates automatically was revealed. .

Google reveals the existence of `` smart glasses that subtitles and automatically translates the words spoken by the other party ''-GIGAZINE

In addition, Google announced in July 2022 that it will test prototypes of AR glasses in the real world. It's unclear if this test was actually carried out, but after that there were few follow-up reports about Google's AR glasses.

Google announces that it will start testing in the real world of next-generation AR glasses that translate and navigate - GIGAZINE

An unnamed insider told news outlet Insider that many employees were frustrated by Project Iris' repeated shifts in strategy and team shifts. matter. Furthermore, it seems that the retirement of Mr. Clay Vapor, who was in charge of the VR / AR department, at the time of the large-scale layoff in January 2023, was the decisive blow for the abolition of the project.

According to Insider, Google is focusing on software development rather than hardware like AR glasses and headsets. It seems that Google is building a 'micro XR' platform that can be licensed to AR headset makers, just as Google provides Android to various smartphone makers.

However, although the project to develop an AR headset within Google has been canceled, Google announced in February 2023 that it will start developing a mixed reality (MR) headset jointly with Samsung and Qualcomm. .

Samsung, Google and Qualcomm are working together to develop a new AR / VR - GIGAZINE

Also, Google's AR technology development team has not been completely dissolved, and although many of the team personnel have been transferred to joint development projects with Samsung and Qualcomm, some members are still developing within Google. It is said to be continuing. Therefore, Insider reported that Google may develop its own AR headset like Project Iris.