Magic Leap & Google Unveil New AR Glasses Prototype
▼ Summary
– Magic Leap and Google have extended their partnership by 3 years and showcased a HUD glasses reference design in Saudi Arabia.
– Magic Leap shifted from consumer to enterprise focus after its first product underperformed, launching Magic Leap 2 with advanced features like a taller field of view and dynamic dimming.
– The partnership combines Magic Leap’s expertise in optics and hardware with Google’s technology platforms to develop Android XR glasses concepts.
– The HUD glasses prototype integrates a microLED display from Google’s Raxium and Magic Leap’s waveguide, emphasizing superior visual clarity and stability.
– This collaboration aims to enable hardware companies to create their own high-quality HUD glasses to compete with products like Meta Ray-Ban Display, with Samsung reportedly planning to launch such a device next year.
The strategic alliance between Magic Leap and Google has been officially extended for another three years, with the two technology leaders recently presenting a new heads-up display (HUD) glasses prototype at a major event in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of augmented reality eyewear by combining Magic Leap’s optical expertise with Google’s advanced software platforms.
Magic Leap first captured public attention in the 2010s as a highly anticipated startup promising revolutionary augmented reality experiences, supported by over a billion dollars in funding. Its initial consumer product, the Magic Leap One, launched in 2018 as the first true AR headset available to buyers. However, the device’s $2300 cost and limited field of view, common challenges for transparent optical systems, resulted in disappointing sales. Reports indicated the company’s founder originally projected sales exceeding one million units within the first year, yet only 6,000 units were sold during the first half-year. By late 2019, Magic Leap shifted its focus entirely to the enterprise market, introducing a $3000 business bundle with enhanced warranty and support services. The company later released Magic Leap 2 in 2022, priced at $3300, designed specifically for professional use with a wider field of view, brighter displays, and innovative dynamic dimming technology that outperformed competitors like HoloLens 2.
Google’s involvement with Magic Leap dates back to 2014, when it led a $542 million investment round. At that time, Google CEO Sundar Pichai joined Magic Leap’s board of directors, though he resigned in 2018 citing a demanding schedule. Last year, the firms announced a comprehensive technology partnership intended to merge Magic Leap’s optical and manufacturing leadership with Google’s ecosystem of platforms.
Shahram Izadi, Google’s Vice President of XR, emphasized the value of this collaboration in a prepared statement: “Magic Leap’s optics, display systems, and hardware expertise have been essential to advancing our Android XR glasses concepts to life. We’re fortunate to collaborate with a team whose years of hands-on AR development uniquely set them up to help shape what comes next.”
During the Future Investment Initiative Institute event in Saudi Arabia, where Magic Leap maintains majority ownership, the companies showcased a HUD glasses reference design. This prototype is intended to serve as a blueprint for other hardware manufacturers looking to enter the HUD glasses market. It integrates a microLED display from Raxium, a startup acquired by Google in 2022, with a custom waveguide developed by Magic Leap. Google demonstrated similar applications to those featured earlier this year at TED and I/O conferences.
A key distinction lies in the waveguide technology. When asked how Magic Leap’s version differs from the one used in Samsung’s prototype, Izadi highlighted the natural viewing experience, stating, “What makes this prototype stand out is how natural it feels to look through. Magic Leap’s precision in optics and waveguide design gives the display a level of clarity and stability that’s rare in AR today.” This suggests a notable improvement in visual performance.
It is important to note that this is not a preview of a Magic Leap 3 device. Instead, Magic Leap appears to have transitioned from manufacturing its own hardware to supplying or licensing its waveguide technology to other companies. Through this partnership with Google, any hardware maker can theoretically develop high-quality HUD glasses using Magic Leap’s optics and Google’s software, positioning them to compete with products like the Meta Ray-Ban Display.
While Meta’ smart glasses already deliver many of the features Google has showcased, Google holds certain advantages. Its Gemini AI assistant is currently more sophisticated than Meta AI, and Google Maps offers significantly broader navigation coverage compared to Meta’s more limited system. Meta, however, benefits from integrating WhatsApp, the world’s largest messaging platform. These differences ensure that Google’s entry will introduce substantial competition to the smart glasses arena.
As for when consumers might see these products, no manufacturer has yet publicly committed to releasing Google-powered HUD glasses. Google has referred to the display as “optional” in partnerships with brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. However, recent reports from South Korea’s The Financial News suggest that Samsung could launch a model as early as next year.
(Source: Upload VR)