Google AR glasses: test in public starts in August

The Google AR glasses will be tested in public starting next Monday and thus take on more concrete forms. So far, corresponding concepts have only been tested in laboratories, now they want to explore the possibilities in the field test outside.

Google AR glasses with public test

In May 2022, a new concept for Google AR glasses showed up at I/O 2022. For example, they make it possible to translate simultaneously during conversations in other languages via real-time subtitles.

So far, corresponding concepts have only been tested in the lab, but this is set to change from August. As early as next month, the devices will also be tested in public, as Google writes on its own blog .

As a result, the company hopes to gain new insights into how the device can help people in their everyday lives. While experiences like AR navigation can be developed, the field test should also help account for factors like weather or large crowds. Scenarios that are difficult to replicate in indoor testing.

With a few dozen testers

Testing of the Google AR glasses will initially be conducted with “a few dozen Googlers and select, trusted testers”, the company writes. The prototypes have displays integrated into the lenses, microphones and cameras. Still, it said, they are severely limited in what they can do and what they are capable of.

Photo and video recording, for example, are not possible with the prototypes, he said. Image data, however, would be used to enable experiences such as translating menus or showing you how to navigate to the nearest coffee shop.

Google wants to do everything right

“It’s still early and we want to do it right, so we’re taking it slow. With a strong focus on the privacy of the testers and the people around them,” Google continues.

Apparently, the prototypes are actually the Google AR glasses that they unveiled in May 2022. It is able to fade in subtitles almost in real time in conversations that are held with people in another language. This is even said to be possible in groups, as the subtitles are displayed directly in the field of view of the person wearing the glasses.

Shortly before that, they also announced the acquisition of tech startup Raxium, which is working on micro-LED technology for augmented reality glasses.

This new technology would make it possible to create even better, smaller and, above all, sharper displays for AR, VR and mixed reality headsets. And the whole thing would be much more energy-efficient than Super AMOLED displays, for example. Google’s AR glasses will apparently have the working title Project Iris.