Magic Leap is once again making headlines in the world of augmented reality (AR). The company has recently announced a new prototype of its Android XR smart glasses and revealed an extension of its partnership with tech giant Google. This innovative prototype serves as a reference design for the growing Android XR ecosystem, showcasing the potential of AR technology.
The newly unveiled smart glasses feature a modern design reminiscent of contemporary smart eyewear. They are characterized by thick frames, which house all the necessary electronics to deliver an immersive AR experience. Notably, the left side of the glasses includes what appears to be a camera lens, hinting at the device's capabilities for interactive augmented reality experiences.
While Magic Leap has kept many details of the smart glasses under wraps, the company has emphasized the collaboration with Google. By merging Magic Leap’s advanced waveguides and optics with Google’s Raxium microLED light engine, both companies aim to develop cutting-edge display technologies. This partnership is a significant step towards making all-day, wearable AR devices a reality.
The smart glasses are built to operate on Google's Android XR operating system. This integration is crucial as it aligns with the recent launch of Samsung's Galaxy XR headset, which is the first device to utilize this operating system. With these advancements, Magic Leap is positioning itself as a key player in the expanding AR landscape.
Despite facing challenges in the consumer market—having reportedly sold only 6,000 units of its initial AR headset in six months—Magic Leap is still a formidable entity in the tech industry. In 2022, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia became the majority owner of the company and has since invested over $1 billion to support its growth and innovation.
Following its struggles with consumer adoption, Magic Leap has shifted its focus towards the enterprise market, launching the Magic Leap 2 in 2022. This pivot reflects the company’s strategy to cater to businesses and industries that can benefit from advanced AR solutions, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market.
As Magic Leap continues to innovate and collaborate with major players like Google, the future of its smart glasses and the broader AR ecosystem looks promising. With advancements in display technology and a clear focus on enterprise applications, Magic Leap is poised to carve out a significant niche in the augmented reality sector.
