That Google is serious about getting into the augmented reality space is evident from its recent acquisition of Raxium, a start-up that specializes in the development of MicroLED displays. The acquisition which The Independent claims to have cost Google a billion dollars will put the Mountain View company in the race to develop an AR headset.
Details of the upcoming headset is not yet known though Ross Young, the co-founder, and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants had revealed earlier that Raxium claimed the microLED displays developed by them exhibited credible performance for R, G, and B MicroLEDs at small sizes with no substantial loss in efficiency. Young also said being able to achieve good R, G, and B performance on a single wafer is an excellent feat but replicating the same on <5um would make things even better.
As it is, OLED Micro displays have been found to be best suited for augmented reality displays since these have a high pixel density and do not require a backlight. That said, the low brightness that is typical of OLEDs can be an issue for AR headsets given that the same can be used in regions having bright sunlight. This makes microLED best suited for AR displays as these have greater brightness, high contrast, and higher resolution compared to OLED displays.
However, details about the Google AR headset are scarce at the moment though it is known to be ready only around 2024. The company had first announced its intention to launch an AR headset in January this year and the project is named internally as Project Iris. The basic functionality is expected to be the same as other AR headsets currently in the making, which includes a forward facing cam that would capture the real world outside. The same will then be mixed with computer graphics to give rise to a mixed reality experience.
Some sources also revealed Google has developed an early prototype of the said headset at its San Francisco Bay Area center. The same is said to have the looks of ski goggles and is designed to work independently as it does not need to be connected to an external power source. Experts also believe the specs of the said headset to be similar to that of the headset Apple is rumored to be developing.
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in the world of technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles as well, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. Motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot and maybe I’ll make a film sometime in the future.