Through the years, Google has made many makes an attempt at pushing VR and AR forward, whether or not it was Google Cardboard, Google Glass, or Google Daydream. All had been failed initiatives, finally.
However with the introduction of the Imaginative and prescient Professional and Meta’s current bulletins, there’s by no means been a lot curiosity in prolonged actuality (XR) headsets and AR glasses. And with the Google I/O developer convention coming this week, there are rumors that Google might make one other enterprise into this expertise.
Google’s within the sport
Apple’s launch of the Imaginative and prescient Professional doesn’t essentially demand a response from Google. It’s a comparatively area of interest system given its excessive value. However we all know Google is within the sport primarily based on some current hints.
Google’s AR and VR account on X (previously twitter) not too long ago posted that the corporate would share augmented actuality information at Google I/O 2024. A number of periods point out ARCore, the augmented actuality software program constructed into many Android gadgets. Third-party builders can create AR apps with ARCore, and we’re anticipating some developments on this entrance.
Mark your calendars. 🗓️ Be part of us at #GoogleIO on Might 14th to study in regards to the newest developer merchandise and #AR bulletins! Register as we speak: https://t.co/5rPQps7FH0 pic.twitter.com/CgxtarnP5m
— Google AR & VR (@GoogleARVR) April 10, 2024
Two years in the past at Google I/O 2022, the corporate confirmed a video of prototype sensible glasses that translate and transcribe languages. It’s attainable that we might see some extra bold demos like this, or an replace on one of many current initiatives.
There was additionally speak of an XR headset, however a Enterprise Insider report suggests Google canceled that challenge. However is it truly lifeless? Let’s contemplate what we all know thus far.
Will Google make an XR headset?
It’s attainable that Google will make an XR headset sooner or later, however the subsequent system powered by Google’s AR and VR expertise is extra prone to come from Samsung.
Final 12 months at Galaxy Unpacked 2023, Google and Qualcomm executives joined Samsung’s TM Roh onstage to announce plans to construct an XR headset. Samsung didn’t reveal any particulars past the collaboration. Nonetheless, it was an intriguing teaser timed to reach earlier than the announcement of the Imaginative and prescient Professional at Apple’s Worldwide Builders Convention.
Google and Samsung every have backgrounds in growing AR and VR merchandise. Whereas the 2015 Google Glass and 2016 Daydream View weren’t common amongst shoppers, Google took an early lead within the XR area and redirected its efforts towards enterprise clients in 2017. And Samsung partnered with Oculus (now Meta) in 2015 to launch the considerably profitable GearVR headset that used a telephone for a display screen, monitoring. and processing.
In the meantime, Qualcomm is a number one XR {hardware} developer that’s actively pushing this expertise ahead. XR encompasses each AR and VR applied sciences, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 and AR chips energy the most well-liked VR headsets and sensible glasses, like Meta’s Quest 3 and Ray-Ban Meta Sensible Glasses.
A joint growth from Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm has the potential to disrupt the business. Qualcomm can provide XR processors and reference designs to speed up the method, Samsung might manufacture and distribute the system, and Google might present software program. Whether or not or not it can come collectively at I/O remains to be within the air, however that doesn’t imply we gained’t catch a glimpse of it subsequent week.
Android XR
Google develops Android for telephones and tablets, together with Put on OS for watches, however neither of these will suffice for an XR headset. To compete with Apple’s Imaginative and prescient Professional, Google wants a brand new spatial working system to offer a digital person interface that hovers in entrance of the wearer’s eyes and responds to their hand gestures or controller enter.
We all know Android XR is an actual product since that designation seems within the code of Google’s Play Retailer, alongside related references to a telephone, foldable, pill, TV, and extra. A weblog named TheSPAndroid uncovered these particulars in September of final 12 months.
Android XR may additionally embrace options optimized for AR glasses primarily based on the analysis that preceded Google Glass. With over a decade of growing AR apps and prototypes, it definitely appears attainable that Google has the sources wanted to launch a considerate spatial person interface.
In the meantime, Meta introduced plans to open-source Horizon OS, the core software program of the favored Quest 3 VR headset. Lenovo, Asus, and Microsoft are already working with Meta to create new headsets that may run video games and apps from the Quest library.
The strains have been drawn for a various market that includes ideas from most main tech corporations. Apple has visionOS and Meta is increasing the vary of Horizon OS, whereas Google and Samsung put together to launch an answer championing Android XR. It’s an thrilling time for spatial computing, particularly if Android XR makes its debut this 12 months.
Android XR at Google I/O
The current explosion of exercise suggests now’s the best time for Google to broaden past the ARCore framework. I wouldn’t be stunned if Google declares Android XR — an entire platform for VR, AR, and spatial computing — at Google I/O,.
Builders are already constructing apps for Apple and Meta headsets. Google must make the most of this momentum to verify apps and companies will assist Android XR.
The excellent news is that Samsung’s XR headset ought to be capable of run a number of Android apps at launch. Since Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 platform is appropriate with Snapdragon cell processors, porting apps to Android XR could possibly be comparatively straightforward.
This might be akin to the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional’s capacity to run iPad apps. Whereas 2D home windows floating in a 3D area isn’t the perfect use of an XR headset, it really works and feels acquainted. An Android XR headset that syncs together with your Android telephone and pill, in addition to your Put on OS watch and Chromebook, could be a compelling answer.
With a couple of spectacular immersive environments and enjoyable mixed-reality video games, Google might safe its place as expertise begins to make the intuitive, holographic, AI-enhanced laptop interfaces of sci-fi motion pictures a actuality.
We’ll have to attend and see if Google truly makes I/O the launch occasion for its renewed curiosity in XR and AR.
