Google Glass, ‘Project Iris,’ Now Back in Development —Will It Go Against Meta Ray-Ban?

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 20 October 2023, 09:10 pm

Smart glasses were the top technological aspiration back in the day, but recently Google has scrapped its "Project Iris" development, but reports now claim that it is back again. The high-tech glasses evolved from before, as previously, it was mostly associated with espionage and the like, but in today's case, they may connect to smartphones and feature audio right on the device.

Google's focus on Project Iris was cut short before, but now it is back again, but it remains unknown when it will be available, and if it will be able to catch up on Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses.

Google Glass 'Project Iris' Now Back in Development

(Photo : JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images)

It was revealed by 9to5Mac that the Google Glass is now back, popularly known as "Project Iris," after earlier reports of claiming that the internet company already scrapped its development. Project Iris was speculated before as an AR device by various speculators and insiders but was scarce on its details as Google did not talk much about the tech wearable.

Google Glass was also canceled by the company, and it is the famed smart glasses that was shortlived, one of the company's earliest take on wearable tech.

According to the report, it is expected to not have a screen like modern AR or VR smart glasses, but it remains unknown what "reality" it will bring for users.

Google Project Iris' Features to Possibly Offer

Speculations center on the features of Project Iris for its future iteration, with it having a camera that could feature Google Lens apart from its capabilities to shoot and record.

Apart from that, it would feature built-in audio for users, either a speaker near the ears or another audio wearable built-in with the glasses. Still, it could also allow Bluetooth Earphones to connect.

Its largest rival yet is still the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses which introduced its latest developments, including massive customization features.

Google Project Iris vs. Meta Ray-Ban

The development by Google with Project Iris has been kept secret for years, and it remains unknown what the device is, having little to no clues for the public about what it is. However, speculators claim that the Iris is an augmented reality device, and it is known that Google has initially stopped its AR wearable development in the past.

On the other hand of this smart glasses matchup, there is the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, and yes, it features a new name in its release earlier this year, contrary to 2021's Ray-Ban Stories. The new smart glasses from Meta and Ray-Ban feature a unique camera that hands easily to one's face, and it can shoot, record, and connect to smartphones for a live Instagram stream and more to feature.

The world of wearables is massive today, and this is because they have a lot more to offer the world apart from what it lists on paper, making them a popular addition to one's gear. Now that news about Google's Project Iris is back, there are expectations about the future of its development from the company, dubbed as "screenless, pre-AR smart glasses."