Google is shutting down Project Iris to develop augmented reality glasses

Google has decided to close its augmented reality glasses project, codenamed Project Iris, Business Insider reported, citing three sources familiar with the situation. The decision led to massive layoffs, with top employees and engineers resigning. Project Iris first became known in January 2022, and the devices were expected to change the notion of augmented reality.

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Project Iris glasses were planned using its own chip as the computing platform, with the core computing done in the cloud. Prototypes of the devices were demonstrated at the Google I/O 2022 conference, where a simultaneous speech translation feature was shown. The visual design of the glasses resembled ski goggles, and in their development Google used the experience it gained when it acquired the startup Lytro.

But according to information obtained by Business Insider, Google has decided to focus on creating software platforms for augmented reality, allowing third-party manufacturers to use their technology. In particular, the company is working with Samsung to develop an XR version of Android for the headset, as well as joining forces with Qualcomm in the field of mixed reality. However, details about the joint projects remain unknown for now.

So the closure of Google’s Project Iris indicates a change in the company’s augmented reality strategy, with a focus on developing software platforms and partnerships with by other manufacturers.