Google AR Glasses Project Iris Put on Hold Indefinitely

After years of development, Google has reportedly terminated its ambitious project to develop augmented reality (AR) glasses, codenamed Project Iris. The decision came after recent layoffs, organizational reshuffling, and the departure of Clay Bavor, Google's former chief of augmented and virtual reality. As per a report by Business Insider, three people with knowledge of the matter confirmed the project's cancellation.

• The existence of Project Iris was initially reported by The Verge in January 2022.

• Google had intended to release Iris as its own product and had acquired Canadian startup North, which specialized in AR glasses development.

• Project Iris was described as resembling ski goggles. However, the ski goggles were part of a separate AR project, while Iris aimed to create glasses-like devices.

• Google shifted focus to developing software platforms for AR that could be licensed to other headset manufacturers.

• Google is working on the Android XR platform for Samsung's headset and a micro XR platform for glasses, with employees using a prototyping platform called Betty.

• Google aims to become the leading provider of AR software, emphasizing software development over hardware production.

The fate of Project Iris remains uncertain, while Google refocuses its efforts on advancing augmented reality through software innovation and the Samsung partnership.

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