TL;DR
- An APK teardown of the Google app hints that Google might have renewed work on its AR glasses challenge.
- The code reveals references to the codename “iris” and system gestures.
- The code additionally suggests the sensible glasses could possibly be used for Google Assistant actions.
We frequently see Google cancel initiatives and merchandise alike. You possibly can even try our Killed by Google checklist to see all of the issues the corporate has pivoted away from. One thing we don’t see practically as a lot of is the tech big reviving an previous challenge. Nevertheless it seems to be like Google might have renewed its efforts on the discontinued wearable generally known as Venture Iris.
It is vital to notice that an APK teardowns solely present hints at what might come sooner or later. There is no assure that merchandise or options referenced in a teardown will ever make it to the general public.
In an APK teardown of the newest beta for the Google app, the oldsters over at 9to5Google noticed one thing attention-grabbing. It seems there’s a string of code within the app that references “iris” and gestures you need to use to activate Google Assistant. There additionally gave the impression to be code suggesting there could possibly be actions like calling pals or setting timers.
<string identify=”assistant_bisto_oobe_iris_finish_setup_description_no_hotword”>Simply contact & maintain the proper temple to speak to your Assistant.</string>
The outlet guidelines out the potential for iris referring to Sony’s LinkBuds, which makes use of an identical temple-touching gesture to convey up Assistant. They confirmed that iris refers to gadgets Google has given the “iris_device” attribute, which suggests that is Google {hardware} or AR glasses on the whole.
Again in June, reviews prompt that Google had given up on Venture Iris after experiencing difficulties together with layoffs, reshuffles, and the departure of Google’s chief of augmented and digital actuality. It was additionally mentioned that Google was shifting its focus to making a “micro XR” platform designed for AR glasses that it might then license out to producers, much like its cellular OS.
Nonetheless, two workers who labored on the challenge mentioned Google might resurrect Venture Iris sooner or later. In addition they claimed that some groups throughout the firm had been nonetheless experimenting with the expertise.
It’s unknown whether or not Google is dedicated sufficient to show Venture Iris flip a product for the general public. However this discovery reveals that the corporate has not forgotten about it.
