Some people believe that Google Glasses is leading the way. Although Glass is no longer sold to everyday consumers (it still exists in the Enterprise Edition), it is the first time it has introduced a mixed reality experience for the public in multiple ways. Although Google has been silent about AR (and VR) devices for many years, it seems ready to return to the battlefield.
As discovered by 9to5 Google, Google is developing a new operating system and is also developing a new operating system. Mark Lucovsky, the former general manager of Oculus' operating system, posted on LinkedIn stating that he has joined Google to lead the AROS team.
In addition, he also posted a link to the position of Senior Software Engineer at the company, which includes designing and building 'embedded processor software in next-generation immersive computing products', as well as 'solving cross feature problems to create compelling AR experiences on a highly customized basis'. Hardware platform.
It sounds like Google has not only designed an operating system for AR, but is also developing corresponding hardware. In fact, other vacant positions indicate that members of the new AR team will develop software for devices such as cameras and input devices for the upcoming 'innovative AR devices'.
It is not surprising that Google returned to the AR field after Glass's response was mediocre. After trying new things, Google became notorious - even with a website specifically reporting on Google's death plan, but when the technology community caught up with its ambitions, it often re examined its product categories.
Nowadays, with the renaming of Facebook to Meta and the increasing rumors about specific details of Apple AR headphones, there is also an increasing discussion about 'metaverse' and future AR/VR experiences.
Strangely, the recruitment information did not mention VR, as this company traditionally combines AR and VR. That's because the company no longer focuses on VR, or because it now believes that VR is just an extension of AR, which remains to be seen.
I don't yet know what form this new AR device will take, but I don't want it to look like the first generation consumer version Glass.
Unfortunately, I am wondering what the reception would be if Glass could be re released with modern hardware now. Although Glass initially failed to attract people's attention, partly because society was not yet ready to accept glasses with built-in cameras (perhaps not yet), on the other hand, Glass cannot be used.
In my memory, knocking on the glass and sliding, the sound command is not as good as it is now, the screen display is very small, and the overall feeling is very dull, just like most wearable devices. Although some issues with the initial version may still exist, especially battery life, most of them will not become the main issue with modern hardware.
Another important point is that Google seems to be completely developing a new operating system, rather than using Android or WearOS. Given the special requirements of AR earphones, Google hopes to develop a dedicated operating system, but the language of the recruitment information makes people feel that Google's goal is to establish a platform for AR experience, rather than relying on a single AR device for its success.
As the AR field is rapidly heating up, I hope to hear more reports about Google's ambitions in 2022.