Google is one step closer to releasing smart glasses after a long hiatus

Google is close to a deal to buy Canadian startup AdHawk Microsystems, which develops eye-tracking technologies. The acquisition will allow Google to speed up development of the Android XR platform and possibly begin producing its own smart glasses and headsets, Bloomberg reported, citing informed sources.

The companies are in advanced talks and could reach a deal as early as this week, the people said. Google is set to buy the startup for $115 million, with $15 million of that payment contingent on AdHawk meeting its agreed-upon performance targets.

Founded in 2017, Waterloo, Ontario-based startup AdHawk developed MindLink glasses based on its proprietary technology that allows the device to detect the user’s gaze direction. AdHawk’s energy-efficient sensors significantly outperform competitors’ solutions in terms of the speed of response to pupil movement. At the same time, the company develops not only hardware, but also software. AdHawk received support from venture capital divisions of Samsung Electronics, Intel, HP, and Sony Group, as well as from Ray-Ban brand owner EssilorLuxottica SA, Meta✴’s partner in the production of smart glasses.

Google was one of the first to show interest in creating smart glasses, releasing Google Glass more than a decade ago. However, the wearable device never gained traction with consumers, and the project was shut down two years ago.

Google is partnering with Samsung on its Project Moohan extended reality (XR) headset, but the American company’s interest in creating its own smart wearables is clear. Eye-tracking technology is central to the interface of Apple’s Vision Pro headset and will be a major part of Samsung’s Moohan interface.

Earlier this year, Google acquired HTC’s extended reality (XR) business for $250 million. Once the deal closes, AdHawk employees will join the Android XR platform team to continue working on wearables.