Google abandons XR hardware route, moves to full OEM partnership model

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(XR Navigation Network January 11, 2024)according to9to5google,Google正在重组负责Pixel，Nest，Fitbit，以及ARand other hardware products in the Devices & Services Devices & Services business group, and will lay off hundreds of employees. Among the hardest hit is the AR hardware team.

报道指出，本次被裁人员大多来自谷歌第一方增强现实硬件团队。9to5google认为，“这一动作表明谷歌不再致力于开发自己的AR硬件，而是完全致力于OEM合作模式”。

9to5google表示，对于Devices & Services设备与服务事业群的重组，谷歌正在转向职能型组织模式，例如，将有一支团队负责Pixel、Nest和Fitbit等设备的硬件工程。换句话说，将有一名单一的领导者负责谷歌所有硬件产品的这方面。

In addition, the reorganization involves hundreds of job cuts, and most of them come from Google's first-party augmented reality hardware team. 9to5google believes that this move indicates that Google is no longer committed to developing its own AR hardware, but is instead fully committed to the OEM partnership model".

实际上，诸如保罗·格列柯（Paul Greco），艾迪·钟（Eddie Chung）和马克·卢科夫斯基（Mark Lucovsky）等谷歌AR硬件团队的核心人员早已纷纷出走。根据早前Business Insider报道，谷歌一直对AR优柔不定，高层经常大幅度调整方向，并在2023年决定放弃智能眼镜Iris。

Ultimately, Google executives decided to opt for a more Android-like approach. Currently, Google is developing a dedicated AR software operating system and licensing it to hardware partners. For example, Google has confirmed that it is working with Samsung to provide software-level support for its XR hardware.

Of course, Google says they remain "firmly committed to other augmented reality initiatives," specifically pointing to existing augmented reality features in Lens and Maps, as well as other product partnerships, such as with Samsung.

In a statement, Google wrote: "The Devices & Services business group will eliminate hundreds of positions, with the primary impact being the first-party AR hardware team. While we are making adjustments to our first-party AR hardware team, Google will continue to work on other AR initiatives, such as AR experiences in our products and other product partnerships."