Google gears up for AR market with Raxium acquisition

After abandoning its virtual reality ambitions last year, Google is ready to enter the Augmented Reality (AR) space through its acquisition of Raxium, a startup focused on making MicroLED displays. The five-year-old startup has captured the imagination of its customers and made commendable progress in AR.

The terms and conditions of the deal are yet to be publicised by Google. However, the public domain is rife with news of Google’s new acquisition of Raxium. It is learned credibly that the valuation of Raxium was set at US$ 1 Billion. A particular innovation that Raxim has been able to achieve is the upscaling of efficiency in R, G, and B MicroLEDs at significantly small sizes, while also cutting losses.

In the field of transparent displays, OLED Microdisplays have witnessed a surge in the AR market. The best choice for AR (thanks to its high pixel density and lack of need for a backlight) OLED Micro display has become increasingly popular. But OLEDs have limitations. Given that AR headsets are used in bright sunlit environments, low brightness could prove to be a challenge.

Apple is the other major competitor said to be taking giant strides for a future AR or mixed reality headset. The headset, which is said to cost as high as $3,000, could use Micro OLED displays. But, for both the tech giants, solving certain issues with MicroOLED is the primary course of action.

Microsoft currently has the HoloLens 2, an industry-focused AR headset that costs $3,500. And Facebook (now Meta), has its Oculus Quest 2, a consumer-oriented VR headset that starts at $300. Meta has renamed the Oculus Quest to Meta Quest.

It is still uncertain what market Google might target with a potential AR headset. It is also too early to fathom when Google might come out with its new AR product.