Magic Leap and Google have recently announced a strategic technology partnership to develop new extended reality technologies. This unexpected collaboration between the two tech giants raises eyebrows, considering Google’s recent downsizing of its augmented and extended reality teams, and Magic Leap’s less than impressive track record in the field. However, this partnership could potentially bring about increased competition for Apple and Meta in terms of metaverse hardware and experiences, which could ultimately benefit the metaverse as a whole.
According to a statement from Magic Leap CTO Julie Larson-Green, the partnership will showcase Magic Leap’s advancements in optics alongside Google’s infrastructure. Although the press release does not provide details about specific products or potential services, it is possible that this collaboration could lead to the development of a new headset suitable for AR/XR, thereby introducing much-needed competition to current market leaders such as Meta and Apple.
As pointed out by Sean Hollister of The Verge in a recent article, it remains unclear what Google stands to gain from this partnership. Google has demonstrated its ability to create top-notch hardware through its range of in-house products, including Pixel smartphones and well-received smart speakers. However, both Magic Leap and Google’s individual efforts in the AR/XR headset arena, with Magic Leap and Google Glass respectively, have been largely unsuccessful.
Hollister speculates that the partnership may be driven by Magic Leap holding a patent or methodology that Google desires. Alternatively, it is possible that Google simply does not want to establish a new AR/XR unit following the layoffs earlier this year or risk falling behind its major competitors.