Magic Leap not too long ago introduced a “multifaceted strategic expertise partnership” with Google to develop new augmented actuality applied sciences.
The partnership marks what might be thought of an odd couple within the tech world. Google not too long ago downsized its augmented and augmented actuality (AR/XR) groups, and Magic Leap is the creator of one of many trade’s greatest failures. Nevertheless, since this information might level to additional competitors between Apple and Meta in the case of {hardware} and the meta universe expertise, it might very properly bode properly for the meta universe as an entire.
In line with a press release from Magic Leap CTO Julie Larson-Inexperienced, the partnership will spotlight Magic Leap’s advances in optics alongside Google’s infrastructure:
“This partnership accelerates the transformative energy of AR by combining our intensive optical capabilities with Google’s applied sciences to proceed to develop the immersive impact of the developer ecosystem and for patrons. We sit up for increasing the potential of XR – mixing the bodily world with useful, contextually related options.”
The press launch does not describe precise merchandise or announce any potential companies, however it’s fully doable that this might imply a brand new headset appropriate for AR/XR, and thus some much-needed competitors to the present market leaders in Meta and Apple.
On the subject: Apple is poised to make the meta universe mainstream and dominate the market
Because the Verge’s Sean Hollister identified in a current article , it is unclear precisely what Google will get out of the deal. Its capability to create customized {hardware} is obvious in its personal line of merchandise, from Pixel smartphones to well-reviewed good audio system. However in the case of AR/XR headsets and glasses, Magic Leap and Google’s particular person efforts to create the Magic Leap and Google Glass headsets, respectively, have been most notable for his or her failure.
Hollister means that this partnership could have been a results of Magic Leap proudly owning a patent or methodology that Google wished. But it surely’s additionally doable that Google will not wish to hype the brand new AR/XR unit after January’s layoffs, or fall behind its greatest rivals.