While the Vision Pro is very popular right now, there's a chance that an Apple Glasses device could become a hot AR wearable in the future. However, Apple was set to face competition from a Google product codenamed Google Iris. However, according to a new report, Google has abandoned the device.
See also: Meta: Its future plans for AR glasses and VR/MR headset
Project Iris was first reported about 18 months ago. This product seems to be a better alternative to the less-than-great Google Glass because it can actually be worn by people.
When Google released Google Glass, a pair of augmented reality (AR) glasses, they were the first of their kind on the mass market. In 2013, a device was initially available for sale to select “Glass Explorers.” It was followed by wider distribution the following year.
Unfortunately, the company never really caught on with consumers. The geeky design, combined with controversies over its video recording capabilities, turned even the most diehard tech enthusiasts away. As a result, Google discontinued consumerThe company focused on the business-focused market and sold two Enterprise Editions. However, the company decided to pull those editions from the market earlier this year.
See also: Lenovo Glasses T1: A big screen in your pocket
According to Business Insider, Google is not currently developing its own smart glasses, having canceled “Iris” earlier this year. The plan was to create and market Iris as its own product.
Experts say Google leaders kept changing the strategy for Iris Glasses throughout its development, leading the team to constantly change course, which frustrated many employees.
This decision was made due to layoffs, reassignments, and the departure of Clay Bavor, who was responsible for AR/VR efforts and had worked at the company for 18 years.
According to the report, the company is continuing to work on AR technology, but it appears to be focusing on the operating system and letting other companies take over the production of the hardware.
See also: Ming-Chi Kuo: Apple Glasses will be released in 2026-2027
Google is working on AR and is replicating the Android-OEM playbook for the new form factor. The report says that Google is focused on creating software platforms for augmented reality, with the aim of licensing it to other headset manufacturers.
