Google concluded its I/O keynote with an exciting vision for Android XR glasses. The two-hour event showcased partnerships with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, along with the first hands-on experience of the prototype glasses for developers and tech media.
Android XR Glasses: A Glimpse into the Future
The Android XR glasses generated significant buzz, representing what major tech companies believe could be the future of AI hardware.
Key Developments:
- Jony Ive and Sam Altman made headlines shortly after Google’s announcement. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman disclosed his acquisition of Ive’s AI hardware startup NeXT Dimension for $6.5 billion in an all-cash deal.
- Altman noted that while Ive is not particularly interested in wearable devices, they will be part of a "family of devices" that are screenless, a statement that sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley.
Competitive Landscape
Google is not alone in its vision for next-gen computing experiences. Other companies are also making strides in augmented reality (AR) and AI hardware:
- Meta has launched AR Ray-Ban sunglasses powered by Facebook’s Live Language Model (LLM).
- Samsung introduced Project Moohan at CES 2024, transforming living rooms into augmented reality environments using LLMs on smart displays embedded in TVs.
Other Notable Companies:
- Bee and Plaud have made significant advancements since their product launches last year but continue to face challenges, particularly regarding battery life.
Google’s Journey with Android XR
Google has been developing its Android XR project since 2019, following its acquisition of North Inc., which created Focals smart glasses. These glasses could display information like calendar events and directions without needing to check a phone.
Timeline of Events:
- Plans for Focals 3 were announced for late 2022 but were canceled due to supply chain issues.
- Stephen Lake, co-founder of North Inc., now leads Magic Leap and has shifted focus to developing AR software rather than hardware.
Future Plans and Announcements
Google has not confirmed whether it will continue developing its own AR software or collaborate with companies like Magic Leap. However, the company has indicated that more information about Android XR will be available later this year.
Recent Announcements:
- Meta recently unveiled plans for Ray-Ban Stories II sunglasses, featuring enhanced audio quality and video capture capabilities.
- Samsung’s Project Moohan allows users to engage with LLMs while playing games like Minecraft or watching YouTube videos.
Investment Landscape
- Bee raised $100 million from investors, including Sequoia Capital China Holdings Ltd., Hillhouse Capital Group LLC, and Tiger Global Management LLC.
- Plaud also secured $100 million from similar investors.
Conclusion
The developments in AI hardware and augmented reality from Google, Meta, Samsung, and other companies signal a transformative shift in how we interact with technology. As these innovations unfold, the industry is poised for exciting advancements in the coming years.
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