Samsung and Google introduced in early 2023 that, together with Qualcomm, they’d be releasing an “XR platform” primarily based on Android, which may additionally see the discharge of a high-end combined actuality headset. Whereas we nonetheless haven’t heard precisely what that XR partnership will entail, a brand new report from The Data maintains Samsung and Google are additionally engaged on smartglasses positioned to probably compete with Ray-Ban Meta Good Glasses.
The report, citing insider sources, alleges Google staffers pitched the concept earlier this 12 months of making smartglasses with Samsung, which might ostensibly manufacture and market the machine to incorporate Google’s personal AI efforts.
It was stated Google created a number of smartglasses prototypes in a bid to curiosity manufacturing companions, reminiscent of Samsung.
One such prototype, which The Data reviews is code-named ‘Betty’, had a monocular show—conceptually much like the now discontinued Google Glass. Two different prototypes, code-named ‘Barry’ and ‘Mary’, had been stated to incorporate stereo shows.
Notably, Meta’s Ray-Ban smartglasses don’t embody any shows, relying totally on voice instructions and contact enter for issues like listening to music, taking video and photographs with its on-board cameras, and doing informal AI internet searches.
The forthcoming smartglasses collab is allegedly the results of conferences with Samsung executives early this 12 months, Googlers reminiscent of Juston Payne, director of product administration, and Shahram Izadi, vp of AR.
There, it was emphasised that comparatively lighter smartglasses had been extra possible than pushing for full AR glasses, reminiscent of Meta’s Orion AR prototype unveiled at Join 2024 this previous month.
In brief, smartglasses with a show may present the person primary content material, reminiscent of textual content and instructions, in a comparatively small discipline of view. Full AR glasses would offer a extra immersive, massive discipline of view with content material reminiscent of 3D objects and 2D home windows which might be anchored inside your real-world atmosphere. Be taught extra in regards to the distinction between AR and smartglasses in our primer.
Regardless of the case, we’re certain to be taught extra quickly, as Samsung/Google/Qualcomm confirmed at Samsung Unpacked in July their Android XR platform shall be revealed by the top of 2024, which can embody launch particulars surrounding forthcoming XR {hardware}.