Google recently unveiled its AR glasses prototype at the TED Conference in Vancouver, marking the first public demonstration of the device. These glasses are designed to provide live translation and image recognition, all while being notably lightweight. Following this debut, there is speculation that a launch could occur around Google I/O 2025. The development of these AR glasses comes in the wake of Apple’s Vision Pro release in early 2024, pushing Android competitors like Google and Samsung to accelerate their mixed reality wearable projects.
In December 2024, Google introduced Android XR, an operating system tailored to support XR devices, including smart glasses and headsets. This event at TED was the first time the public got to experience the glasses firsthand. During the conference, Shahram Izadi, head of Android XR, showcased the prototype while wearing it on stage. Although the glasses initially appeared to be ordinary spectacles, the audience soon learned of their advanced capabilities.
Izadi demonstrated live Farsi to English translation and image recognition by scanning a book, illustrating the glasses’ functionality. Additionally, the glasses are designed to connect to a smartphone, allowing for seamless data exchange while maintaining a compact and lightweight design, unlike many bulkier XR devices. In a nod to industry competition, the conference also featured Samsung’s XR headset, codenamed “Moohan,” which reportedly resembles the Apple Vision Pro. Samsung showcased its headset’s ability to display multiple overlay windows and immersive 360-degree video.
Overall, while Google is pursuing a lightweight AR glasses approach, Samsung and Apple appear to be focusing on more robust XR headsets. Although no official release date has been shared, the recent public showcase suggests a potential launch is on the horizon, possibly to be elaborated on at the upcoming Google I/O 2025.
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