Sources: Google's AR headset could launch in 2024, powered by a custom processor, resembling ski goggles, and no need for an external power connection
Meta may be the loudest company building AR and VR hardware. Microsoft has HoloLens. Apple is working on something, too. But don't count out Google.
The VergeAlex Heath
Context & Ripple Effects
Google’s reported 2024 device is the latest step after its earlier untethered AR-headset work, with the reported custom processor and self-contained design indicating a renewed attempt to control the core hardware stack. It arrives as Meta was also reportedly planning two AR-glasses products for 2024, making standalone operation a competitive requirement rather than a Google-only experiment.
First-order effects
Google’s hardware team would need to deliver a wearable around its own processor and onboard power, rather than relying on a phone, computer, or external power connection.
Meta, Microsoft and Apple face a more credible prospective Google entrant in a category where product design, compute and power constraints must be solved together.
Second-order effects
Meta’s planned Nazare glasses, also described as independent from phones, become a closer like-for-like rival to Google’s reported headset; differentiation shifts toward the experience each company can deliver in a self-contained device.
Custom silicon becomes a strategic lever for AR hardware makers because the reported Google design ties the device’s form factor directly to its processor and power architecture.
Third-order effects
If these roadmaps materialize, AR competition moves from experimental tethered displays toward vertically integrated wearable systems, with leading platforms controlling both compute and the device.
The category may segment between full AR headsets and lighter display-equipped glasses, as Meta’s subsequent roadmap pairs smart glasses with displays and later AR glasses.
The trend: AR hardware is converging on self-contained, custom-compute wearables, while vendors pursue different trade-offs between immersive headsets and lighter glasses.
Scoop: Google is quietly building its own AR headset, codenamed Project Iris, to take on Meta and Apple. Target ship year is 2024 for the headset and Project Starline, its futuristic (and very expensive) 3D video conferencing tech. https://t.co/JiKDIBSmVJ
Google's credibility in #AR is insanely low. It already bought @focalsbynorth and I tried their 2.0 smart glasses which were brilliant but never saw the light of day once @Google got their hands on the tech. It's been 2 years since I saw the prototype glasses and not a peep... ht…
An eagle-eyed Verge reader pointed out that Bernard Kress, an early leader on Google Glass who has been working at Microsoft on HoloLens, just came back to Google as director of optical engineering for AR hardware. Interesting LinkedIn description! https://www.linkedin.com/... ht…
Of course they are. I just wish Google would ship North Focals 2.0. That group was on to something and I'd love to see iteration rather than giant skunk works projects that launch without any market feedback. https://twitter.com/...
I'm excited, but skeptical. Every tech giant needs to have an AR/VR project to hedge against “the metaverse” and/or Apple's shadow headset, but Daydream and Stadia saw embarrassing retreats because Google didn't think things through https://twitter.com/...
Among other things, journalists saw the problems with Stadia's launch pricing and Daydream's 3DOF waggle wand (vs. established 6DOF competitors) a mile away. (Love Daydream's fit and the clarity of Stadia's streaming codecs, though.)
Considering how much strife Google has caused in the #AR space between Tango, Glass and ‘AR Elements’ I don't really know if anyone takes them seriously anymore. Partnerships are going to be hard. https://twitter.com/...
it's physically impossible for me to get excited about google building yet another VR/AR headset, but i guess it is doing it anyways https://www.theverge.com/...
Google introducing Glass: “Everyone wants this” Everyone: “No one wants this” ... ... ... Google 8 years later: “OK how about now” https://twitter.com/...
The Verge reports that Google is working on an AR headset codenamed “Project Iris”. Early prototypes resemble ski goggles and are untethered. It may launch as early as 2024 with a custom Google SoC and run Android, though a unique OS may be in the works. https://www.theverge.com/…