In the ever-evolving world of technology, Google appears to be reigniting its interest in the realm of augmented reality spectacles. Hidden code uncovered by 9to5Google within the Google app for Android has brought to light a tantalizing reference to “iris” and a mechanism for launching Google Assistant with a tap on the right temple – a strong indicator of a new pair of AI-powered spectacles in the making.
“Project Iris” emerges from the shadows – this was the codename assigned to the spectacles briefly showcased at Google I/O in 2022. Their primary mission was to perform real-time translations of spoken foreign languages into text, displayed right before your eyes. However, after the initial demo, the project seemed to fade into obscurity, and rumors in June this year even suggested that it might have been shelved.
Fast forward four months, and it appears that Project Iris is making a comeback. The details surrounding these augmented reality specs remain somewhat enigmatic, given the brevity of the initial demonstration and the lack of official information. Yet, the possibilities are intriguing. The specs could potentially encompass a wide range of features, extending beyond instant translation to embrace the full suite of capabilities that Google Assistant offers, and then some.
While Google has maintained a somewhat low profile on this front, particularly following the discontinuation of Google Glass Enterprise, the market category for smart glasses continues to progress, as exemplified by our recent Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses review. Moreover, it’s worth noting that Google is actively collaborating with Samsung on a mixed reality headset, aimed at rivaling the Meta Quest 3 and the Apple Vision Pro. This report hints at the possibility of a more lightweight and user-friendly iteration, tailored to the needs of everyday consumers.
The resurgence of Google’s augmented reality ambitions indicates a promising future for AR technology integrated into everyday eyewear, and it leaves us eagerly awaiting further details and the potential revival of Project Iris.
