Google and Magic Leap Extend Partnership to Advance Android XR Smart Glasses Development

Magic Leap and Google showcase what's next for AI smart glasses

The collaboration merges strong features from each company. Magic Leap plans to bring its over 15 years of experience in the AR space to the booming AI smart glasses market through a continued partnership with Google XR. Also: I wore the Meta Ray-Bans' successor for a month, and my buying verdict is two-fold On Wednesday, Magic Leap published a blog post detailing its plan for its next-generation AR glasses. In its collaboration with Google, the company said that it is focused on developing AR glasses prototypes that "balance visual quality, comfort, and manufacturability." A prototype showing the progress made by the two companies in developing the AR glasses was on display at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) stage. The glasses maintained the standard look of black-rimmed glasses, similar to those of the Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarers or the Android XR glasses prototype shown at Google I/O. Also: I tested the Oakley Meta Vanguard on a 5-mile walk - here's how it beat my Ray-Bans "What makes this prototype stand out is how natural it feels to look through," said Shahram Izadi, VP/GM of Google XR. "Magic Leap's precision in optics and waveguide design gives the display a level of clarity and stability that's rare in AR today." In particular, the company plans to combine Magic Leap's waveguides -- the company's technology that allows for the realistic and precise overlay of digital content on the physical world around you -- with Google's Raxium microLED light engine, which refers to display technology that is smaller, brighter, and lower-power, and ideal for in-lens smartglasses displays. Also: I wore smart glasses with xMEMS speakers and cooling fans - and wished my Ray-Bans had the same The companies first announced a multi-faceted, strategic technology partnership in May 2024, although their relationship precedes that. A major part of today's announcement was the extension of their collaboration through a three-year agreement. No additional information was shared regarding the roadmap or a potential release date.

Google shows off prototype Android XR glasses from extended Magic Leap deal [Video]

The Android XR floodgates finally cracked open this month with the debut of Samsung's Galaxy XR headset, but glasses are what we're all excited for. Google has now announced that its partnership with Magic Leap has been extended for the sake of bringing Android XR glasses to market. Google first announced a partnership with Magic Leap in 2024 for the purpose of building out AR optics and manufacturing, and that deal has now been extended. At a recent event, Magic Leap confirmed a three-year extension of the Google partnership, and also showed off a new prototype concept of a pair of Android XR glasses. The presentation was hosted by Magic Leap's CEO Ross Rosenberg and SVP Jade Meskill, as well as Google's Juston Payne (Senior Director of Product Management for XR) and showed off "the first prototype concept of our new work." It also went on to mention how the two companies are working together. Magic Leap and Google have recently extended our partnership with a three-year agreement. We're super excited to showcase to you the first prototype concept of our new work. Magic Leap is enabling clearer displays and comfortable form factors. Google has been redefining how AI creates new experiences. Together, we're changing the way we interact with the world. As noted by Android Central, a press release shared by Magic Leap adds some further technical details. This includes mentioning that Google's "Raxium microLED light engine" integrates with Magic Leap's tech to bring "digital content seamlessly into the world." As pictured above, the "display"portion of the lens is visible at some angles, but it's largely impossible to see. Magic Leap and Google will show an AI glasses prototype at FII that will serve as a prototype and reference design for the Android XR ecosystem. The demo shows how Magic Leap's technology, integrated with Google's Raxium microLED light engine, brings digital content seamlessly into the world. The prototypes worn on stage illustrate how comfortable, stylish smart eyewear is possible and the video showed the potential for users to stay present in the real world while tapping into the knowledge and functionality of multimodal AI. During the presentation, text on the nearby screens suggests that Magic Leap is mainly working with Google on the technology here, rather than bringing its own glasses to market. Magic Leap further hints at this in its press release, calling itself "an AR ecosystem partner" focused on "supporting global technology leaders that want to enter the AR market and accelerate the production of AR glasses." These prototype glasses look pretty similar to the ones that Google has been showing off for the past few months, with the same basic design and the same camera placement. That prototype was reportedly set to be released by Samsung sometime next year, but it seems they're stemming directly from Google's Magic Leap partnership.

Google, Magic Leap Unveil Android XR Glasses Prototype With In-Lens Display

Android XR prototype can understand real-time conversations Google and Magic Leap revealed a prototype of their new Android-powered XR glasses. This marks the first public showcase of Google's concept smart glasses since their brief appearance at Google I/O in May this year. AR glasses prototype combines Magic Leap's waveguide and optical technologies with Google's Raxium microLED light engine. The two companies also announced a renewed three-year collaboration to advance XR development. This unveiling comes a week after Samsung entered the Android XR space with the launch of its Galaxy XR headset. Android XR Smart Glasses Prototype At the Future Investment Initiative event in Riyadh, Google and Magic Leap showcased a prototype of their Android XR smart glasses. The prototype features thick frames to house onboard electronics. It has a camera, microphones, an in-lens display and speakers. While Magic Leap hasn't shared many technical details yet, the company did confirm that the glasses combine its proprietary waveguides and optics with Google's Raxium microLED light engine. "The two companies are developing display technologies that make all-day, wearable AR more achievable. Magic Leap's device services integrate display hardware to ensure visuals are stable, crisp, and clear", said Magic Leap in a release. Additionally, Magic Leap and Google have extended their partnership with a new three-year agreement. As part of this effort, Magic Leap said it will support global tech players aiming to enter the AR space, offering its expertise to accelerate the development and production of AR glasses. The on-stage demo showcases how the Android XR prototype understands real-time conversations and takes actions on the user's behalf with their permission. The Gemini AI can interpret and respond to real-world scenes in real time through the Android XR glasses. The smart glasses allow users to ask questions about what they're seeing and offer AI-powered, relevant answers to the wearers. The latest announcement closely follows Samsung's entry into the Android XR space with its Galaxy XR headset. It also runs on Google's new Android XR operating system and is priced at $1,799 (roughly Rs. 1,58,000) in the US, where is it available in a 16GB RAM + 256GB storage variant. Google previewed its Android XR Glasses at its Google I/O Developers Conference in California in May this year. The company has associated with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker to design smart glasses. During the first showcase, the company offered a demo of the live language translation feature. It can be used for making conversations, taking appointments, getting directions and capturing photos with the paired smartphone.