Magic Leap partners with Google on next-gen AR glasses using microLED tech

Magic Leap and Google have extended their partnership to develop next-generation AR smart glasses, showcasing a prototype that combines Magic Leap’s waveguide technology with Google’s Raxium microLED display engine. The collaboration represents a significant challenge to Meta’s dominance in the AI smart glasses market, leveraging Magic Leap’s 15 years of AR expertise alongside Google’s advanced display technology.

What you should know: The partnership focuses on creating AR glasses that balance visual quality, comfort, and manufacturability through a three-year extended agreement.

• Magic Leap brings its precision waveguide technology, which enables realistic overlay of digital content onto the physical world.
• Google contributes its Raxium microLED light engine, offering smaller, brighter, and lower-power display technology ideal for smart glasses.
• The prototype maintains a standard black-rimmed glasses appearance, similar to Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarers or Google’s Android XR glasses prototype.

The big picture: Magic Leap is positioning itself to compete directly with Meta in the booming AI smart glasses market by combining complementary technologies from both companies.

• The companies first announced their strategic partnership in May 2024, though their relationship predates this formal agreement.
• Magic Leap plans to leverage over 15 years of AR development experience to enter the consumer smart glasses space.

What they’re saying: Google XR leadership emphasized the prototype’s superior visual experience compared to current AR offerings.

• “What makes this prototype stand out is how natural it feels to look through,” said Shahram Izadi, VP/GM of Google XR.
• “Magic Leap’s precision in optics and waveguide design gives the display a level of clarity and stability that’s rare in AR today,” Izadi added.

Key details: The prototype was demonstrated at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) stage, though no roadmap or release date information was shared.

• The glasses combine Magic Leap’s waveguide expertise with Google’s advanced microLED technology.
• The partnership extends through a three-year agreement, suggesting sustained development commitment.
• No additional timeline or commercial availability details were disclosed.