Google’s new AR glasses translate languages in real time

A decade after the debut of Google Glass, which didn’t take off among consumers, the creators have presented a new prototype of augmented reality (AR) glasses at its annual Google I/O developer conference for 2022: spectacles that can translate languages in real-time for users.

Photo credit: Google

The new glasses aim to add subtitles to conversations, which Google pitches as a great tool for those hard-of-hearing or those who are separated by language barriers.

While Google didn’t mention when the glasses would be ready for launch, CEO Sundar Pichai said it has a “long way to go” before release. The company only showed a video of its prototype, which displayed translations for conversations involving English, Mandarin, Spanish, and American Sign Language.

“It’s important we design in a way that is built for the real world – and doesn’t take you away from it. And AR gives us new ways to accomplish this,” said Pichai. “Language is just so fundamental to connecting with one another.”

The firm will compete with the likes of Meta and Apple, which are developing similar products.

Google Glass was a product of the tech giant’s X laboratory, which was set up under co-founder Sergey Brin to make big bets on projects such as driverless cars. However, an initial attempt at the Google Glass was suspended in 2015 following a troubled trial period when the device was widely criticized as a threat to privacy.

The new prototype doesn’t include a camera, which would eliminate the company’s biggest problem regarding privacy. It also provides a practical application to AR glasses, pushing early advocates in the tech world to test the product.

See also: Behind the rise of Google Classroom in Indonesia