Google has recently announced a strategic technology partnership with Magic Leap, a company known for its work in augmented reality (AR) optics and manufacturing. This collaboration aims to leverage Magic Leap’s expertise in optics and manufacturing alongside Google’s technologies and platforms to introduce a wider range of immersive experiences to the market.
Throughout the 2010s, Magic Leap garnered significant attention as one of the leading AR companies, receiving substantial funding, including support from Google. However, when the Magic Leap One headset was released in 2018, it did not deliver the anticipated breakthrough in display technology. Despite this, Magic Leap has persisted and is now embarking on a partnership with Google.
While the specifics of the partnership remain somewhat vague, potential outcomes could include Magic Leap incorporating Android XR or accessing Google’s AR services. Alternatively, Google may be interested in Magic Leap’s display technology and manufacturing capabilities for its own hardware projects, such as headsets or glasses.
Currently, Magic Leap offers the Magic Leap 2 headset, which caters to enterprise customers and features a transparent display that overlays graphics onto the user’s line of sight. The device includes a separate battery and compute pack that connects to the headset, similar to Microsoft HoloLens.
It’s worth noting that Google has clarified that its existing partnership with Samsung is unaffected by the collaboration with Magic Leap. While Google did not unveil Android XR at the recent I/O 2024 event, the company did focus on enhancing virtual experiences within Google Maps. Rumors suggest that Google is not actively developing its own smart glasses but is pursuing an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partnership model, akin to its collaboration with Samsung on headsets.
Despite earlier reports of hardware layoffs within Google’s augmented reality team, the company remains committed to advancing AR technologies through partnerships and collaborations. The future of AR and VR technology holds promise as industry leaders like Google and Magic Leap join forces to push the boundaries of immersive experiences.
