Google Acquires MicroLED Startup Raxium for Future AR and MR Tech
Google Glass, the firm’s now cancelled AR headset.
Robert Couto
Soon after providing up on its virtual fact ambitions back in March of past calendar year, it appears that Google is completely ready to enter the augmented fact room with its acquisition of Raxium, a startup devoted to earning MicroLED shows.
Raxium is a 5-yr-outdated startup that’s made outstanding strides in the industry of augmented fact shows. The terms of the deal are unidentified, but Google put a value of $1 billion on Raxium, according to a report from The Facts.
“They assert to have been in a position to attain every single superior functionality for R, G and B MicroLEDs at very modest dimensions without the need of major effectiveness loss,” stated Ross Younger, co-founder and CEO of Show Provide Chain Consultants in an e mail with CNET. “Reaching great R, G and B general performance on a solitary wafer with no coloration conversion is remarkable enough, but to do it at <5um is even more impressive."
In the field of transparent displays, OLED Microdisplays have been seen as the best choice for AR, thanks to its high pixel density and lack of need for a backlight. But OLEDs have certain limitations, and given that AR headsets will be used in bright sunlit environments, low brightness could prove to be problematic.
“MicroLED can be much brighter than OLED. This is particularly important for AR smart glasses that will be used outdoor,” said Guillaume Chansin, director of display research at DSCC. “MicroLED has the potential to deliver high resolution, high contrast and high brightness. This is why it has become such a strategic investment for tech companies working on smart glasses.”
Apple is the other major player rumored to making strides for a future AR or mixed reality headset. The headset, which is rumored to cost as high as $3,000, could use Micro OLED displays. Microsoft currently has the HoloLens 2, an industry-focused AR headset that costs $3,500. And Facebook, now called 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’s still uncertain what market Google might target with a potential AR headset. It’s also too early to know if or when it might come out.