Key Points:
- New Voices in Gemini: Google tests multiple voices in Gemini for Android.
- Smart Glasses Partnership: Google explores collaboration with Ray-Ban’s EssilorLuxottica for Gemini smart glasses.
- Developer Headset Development: Google partners with Magic Leap and Samsung for AR advancements.
At the I/O 2024 event, Google unveiled its ambitious plans for Gemini Live, highlighting an upgrade to ten natural-sounding voices, a significant leap from the single voice currently available. Early testing is already taking place on the Android platform, while the iOS app and web client remain unchanged. As it stands, users cannot revert to the previous voice settings, indicating that this testing phase could precede a wider rollout.
Currently, Google Assistant provides users with a selection of 12 voices, each identified by color-coded names. It is expected that Gemini will adopt a similar naming strategy to streamline user experience.
In a shift from developing its extended reality (XR) headsets or glasses, Google is pursuing an Android Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) model. This strategic pivot involves collaborating with established eyewear companies, with EssilorLuxottica, the powerhouse behind Ray-Ban, being a prime candidate for this partnership.
Recent reports from The Verge suggest that Google has approached EssilorLuxottica to integrate its Gemini AI assistant into future smart glasses. This approach mirrors EssilorLuxottica’s existing collaboration with Meta on the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. Interestingly, Meta’s recent interest in acquiring a minority stake in EssilorLuxottica could be interpreted as a preemptive move in response to Google’s advances.
While specific details from Google’s side remain sparse, the potential partnership’s implications are significant. EssilorLuxottica’s portfolio includes not only Ray-Ban but also Oakley, LensCrafters, and Sunglass Hut, offering a broad spectrum of branding opportunities. However, Meta’s potential investment might complicate or even preclude a deal with Google.
From a technological standpoint, it appears Google is not yet prepared to incorporate display technology into these glasses. Instead, the initial offerings may feature basic components like a microphone, speaker, and camera, leveraging Gemini’s multimodal capabilities. This setup would align with the prototypes showcased at I/O 2024 under Project Astra. The inclusion of a music player, leveraging Google’s Pixel Buds expertise, and the ability to capture photos and videos for Google Photos integration, could enhance the device’s appeal.
Furthermore, The Verge’s Command Line newsletter sheds light on another facet of Google’s AR ambitions. Google is partnering with Magic Leap, aiming to leverage its AR optics and manufacturing prowess to develop a new developer headset based on the Magic Leap 2. This partnership underscores Google’s commitment to advancing AR technology and expanding its developer ecosystem.
Simultaneously, Google is rumored to be collaborating with Samsung on a developer headset slated for an October release, ahead of a full launch in 2025. This headset, which would run on Android XR, is anticipated to complement Google’s broader XR strategy and further establish its foothold in the augmented reality space.
Google’s strategic maneuvers in both the software and hardware arenas reveal a multifaceted approach to solidifying its position in the next wave of technological innovation. By enhancing the Gemini AI assistant’s capabilities and exploring synergistic partnerships for hardware development, Google is positioning itself to offer comprehensive and cutting-edge solutions in the evolving landscape of AR and smart technologies.
