Google is allegedly developing a standalone augmented reality headset that aims to offer users a tethereless AR experience, German tech publication WinFuture reports.

WinFuture maintains they’ve obtained documents proving the existence of the Google AR headset project, which internally carries the code name ‘A65’. The headsets is said to rely on processors built by Qualcomm, and much like Microsoft’s HoloLens headset, Google A65 is said to function without a tether to a PC, and pack several camera sensors a microphones, offer vocal input.

According to WinFuture, the project is still at a very early stage of development, as both Qualcomm QSC603 and Qualcomm QSC605 are still currently under consideration as potential chips to drive the AR headset.

Google A65 is reportedly a collaboration between Google and the Taiwanese contract manufacturer Quanta, who built Google devices in the past, including the Pixel C Tablet. WinFuture maintains the developers were busy prototyping the hardware design, and that “there are still several stages of hardware development to go through.”

Image courtesy Google

Google has done extensive work in AR, both through the now retired AR platform Project Tango, and the subsequently released ARCore dev kit, a software developer kit that brings basic AR functions to several flagship Android smartphones.

The company has also implemented what it calls ‘WorldSense’ tracking in its first 6DOF entry into the Daydream platform, the Lenovo Mirage Solo, which launched earlier this month. Google’s WorldSense employs two front-facing camera sensors to place Mirage Solo users in an hypothetically unlimited tracking volume—something a potential Google AR headset would need if it were to be a truly standalone experience.

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Scott Hayden
Well before the first modern XR products hit the market, Scott recognized the potential of the technology and set out to understand and document its growth. He has been professionally reporting on the space for nearly a decade as Editor at Road to VR, authoring more than 4,000 articles on the topic. Scott brings that seasoned insight to his reporting from major industry events across the globe.
  • WyrdestGeek

  • More glasses no consumer can afford :D

    • dk

      well if they could make a similar headset for way cheaper ……something like the vive pro price for “prosumers” ……for 1500 it would actually be pretty great progress since the hololens and google glass prices
      might be something like the Lenovo daystAR……or they might use a simpler screen set up like the meta2 and antvr …..hopefully it won’t look too bad

  • dk

    nah it might be something cheaper more similar to the Lenovo daystAR

  • Smokey_the_Bear

    The hololense 2 has been long rumored to release in 2019…so we’ll see if google’s AR can beat Microsofts…my money is on Mocrosoft.

    • Ian Shook

      I think they’re targeting diff markets. Google – home user. Microsoft – businesses.

  • kool

    Wake me when all this fits in nerd glasses…

    • Ian Shook

      !RemindMe 6 years

    • dk

      so the hololens is not ….nerd glasses? :P

      • kool

        No it’s a nerd helmet!

  • Lucidfeuer

    It’s a non news, AR “glasses” are not a real-product and of every corporation I’ve seen investing in a bulk of pairs for innovation washing, non of their employees are actually using them.

    But it’s reinsuring to see these big corporations stalling clueless in terms of strategy and prospective understanding, leaves the doors open for any start-up (or rather mid-sized structures) to completely overthrow them on the virtual front.

  • Kenji Fujimori

    More ways for Google to resell user data..
    Isn’t Google the main investor for Magic Leap, any conflicts of interest there?

    • jkhf

      thanks! cause its not just fb doing it. google just doesnt get caught

  • oompah

    Looks tempting
    This is VR done right
    Who wants a box strapped to your face?
    that makes you boxed face