Former Google executive, Mark Lucovsky, who was appointed to lead the development of an innovative AR device after joining the company from Meta in late 2021, has stepped down due to concerns regarding Google’s commitment to and vision for augmented reality (AR).
Lucovsky, previously serving as the “Senior Director of Engineering, responsible for OS and Software Platform for AR and XR devices” at Google, cited “recent changes in AR leadership and Google’s unstable commitment and vision” as the reasons for his departure. This likely refers to Clay Bavor’s departure from Google earlier this year, coupled with reports of Google altering its development strategy for the Iris smart glasses before ultimately discontinuing the project in early 2023.
Interestingly, Lucovsky left Meta around the same time the company decided to abandon the development of a new operating system for its virtual reality headsets and augmented reality glasses. Instead, Meta chose to utilize its Android-based VROS to optimize engineering resources.
I have decided to step away from my role at Google, where I was Senior Director of Engineering, responsible for OS and Software Platform for AR and XR devices. The recent changes in AR leadership and Google’s unstable commitment and vision have weighed heavily on my decision.
— mark lucovsky (@marklucovsky) July 10, 2023
Following Bavor’s exit, the responsibility for AR initiatives was divided between Hiroshi Lockheimer’s Platforms & Ecosystems division, which oversees Android, Chrome/OS, and other platforms, and Rick Osterloh’s Devices & Services division, responsible for Pixel, Nest, and Chromecast.
While the exact focus of Lucovsky’s team remains undisclosed, an earlier report on the Iris project mentioned a “micro XR” software/OS for glasses. It remains unclear whether this software ran on Android or if it pertained to the AR/XR OS that Lucovsky was working on. Previous job listings indicated requirements such as “Understanding of the Linux kernel and driver model” and “Experience with real-time operating system (RTOS) development.”
Lucovsky’s departure message, conveyed through a tweet, raises serious concerns about Google’s commitment to AR and casts doubt on its future endeavors in the field. This sentiment starkly contrasts with Google’s public declaration of commitment to the new form factor during I/O 2022.
Google has previously announced its collaboration with Samsung on Android XR and has hinted at further developments to be expected later this year.