(Google’s AR Platform Now Supports Multi-User Games)

Google revealed its augmented reality platform now supports multiplayer games. This upgrade lets people share AR experiences on different devices at the same time. The change applies to Google’s ARCore technology.

Developers can now build games where multiple players interact in a single augmented reality space. Players see the same virtual objects overlaid on the real world. They can see each other’s actions and positions. This creates shared gameplay using phones or tablets.

The new capability uses cloud anchors and other ARCore features. These features sync the virtual environment precisely for everyone involved. Players need compatible Android devices. They must be close to each other physically. The system works across different Android models.

Google showed early examples. These include collaborative puzzle games and simple AR sports. Players work together or compete within the same persistent AR layer. The shared space updates in real-time for all participants.

This move aims to make AR more social and engaging. Single-user AR experiences have existed for years. Multi-user support opens possibilities for new game types. Friends can play together using their own devices. Families can enjoy group AR activities.

(Google’s AR Platform Now Supports Multi-User Games)

Game creators get new tools with this update. They can design experiences needing teamwork or competition in AR. Google expects developers to release multi-user AR games soon. The ARCore SDK provides the necessary resources now. This advancement pushes mobile AR closer to mainstream gaming. More people can experience shared augmented reality fun.

(Google Abandons Project Iris, Shifts Focus to Software for AR Headsets)

Project Iris aimed to create standalone AR headsets. The project was active for about a year and a half. Google formed a large team for it. The team worked on the hardware and software together. Now, Google is ending the hardware development. The company believes creating the hardware itself is too costly right now.

Google sees more value in the software side. The company will build an AR platform for other manufacturers. This platform will power AR glasses made by other companies. Google already works with Samsung and Qualcomm on other projects. This new software focus fits with those partnerships. Google wants its software to run on many different devices.

The shift means moving people to other teams. Many employees from Project Iris will join the Android and Chrome teams. These teams are working on the new AR platform. Google also has other AR projects. These include software tools for AR experiences on phones. The company thinks software is the smarter path for now.

(Google Abandons Project Iris, Shifts Focus to Software for AR Headsets)

The market for AR glasses is still developing. Big companies like Apple and Meta are also working in this space. Google faced challenges making its own hardware profitable. The company decided software offers a better chance for success. Google wants its AR technology to reach many people. Partnering with other hardware makers helps achieve that goal. This move reflects Google’s strategy to leverage its software strengths.

(Google Ar Glasses Project Restarted)

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Google is reviving its augmented reality glasses project. The company paused this effort years ago. Now engineers are creating a lighter design. The updated glasses are in early testing. Google employees are using them internally. Select partners have prototypes too.

The glasses focus on practical features. They provide real-time language translation. Users see subtitles in their field of view. Navigation directions appear over real streets. The system uses Google Maps data. Battery life improved significantly. Wearers can use the glasses all day.

Previous versions faced criticism. People called Google Glass bulky and intrusive. Privacy concerns were widespread. Google stopped consumer sales in 2015. The new approach addresses these issues. The glasses resemble regular eyewear. They include a camera-off switch. A visible light signals recording activity.

Google aims for broader usefulness. Object recognition identifies items around users. Restaurant details pop up when viewing eateries. Voice commands control all functions. The glasses pair with smartphones for internet access.

Development remains cautious. No public release date exists. Google’s hardware chief oversees the project. His team launched successful products before. Competitors like Apple and Meta work on similar devices. Tech firms see AR glasses as the next major platform.

(Google Ar Glasses Project Restarted)

Early testers praise the comfort. The frame feels like standard glasses. Google keeps design images confidential. Engineers refine features based on feedback.