Key Points
- Google and Chinese AR company XREAL are partnering to launch Project Aura, flagship AR glasses built for the Android XR platform and based on OST technology.
- This collaboration signifies AR entering its “Android moment”, bringing together Google’s platform, XREAL’s hardware, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR chips.
- The Google-XREAL venture is expected to benefit the domestic Chinese industry chain, including A-share companies like Luxshare Precision (立讯精密) and Longqi Technology (龙旗科技).
- A strategic agreement targets the 2027 AI glasses inflection point for developing L4 advanced smart glasses, with AI seen as the next human-computer interaction and glasses as the next computing terminal.
- IDC projects global smart eyewear shipments (including AR/VR) to reach 12.05 million units in 2025, a 18.3% year-on-year increase.
Big news just dropped that’s set to shake up the augmented reality world: AR is officially hitting its ‘Android moment’, and it’s a game-changer for developers, investors, and tech enthusiasts alike.
At today’s Google (Guge 谷歌) I/O global developer conference, a landmark partnership was announced.
Google is teaming up with Chinese AR glasses company XREAL to roll out a new generation of AR glasses, codenamed Project Aura.
This isn’t just another piece of hardware; Project Aura is slated to be the world’s first flagship AR glasses specifically built for the Android XR platform.
The tech behind it? It’s based on the OST (Optical See-through) technology route.
This move strongly signals that AR is stepping into a new era, much like Android revolutionized mobile phones.
The Power Trio Behind Project Aura: Google, XREAL, and Qualcomm
So, what’s the deal with this collaboration?
Here’s the lowdown on who’s bringing what to the table for Project Aura:
- Google (Guge 谷歌): They’re providing the crucial platform support, focusing on the operating system and the broader XR ecosystem. Think of them as laying the digital foundation.
- XREAL: Known for their sleek designs, XREAL is handling the hardware, specifically lightweight AR glasses.
- Qualcomm (Gaotong 高通): The powerhouse behind the processing, the device will be powered by their Snapdragon® XR chips.
Building the Future: The Android XR Development Ecosystem
The launch of Project Aura is more than just new specs; it’s the genesis of the Android XR development ecosystem.
Google (Guge 谷歌), XREAL, and Qualcomm (Gaotong 高通) are throwing down the gauntlet, inviting global developers to jump in.
The mission? To collaboratively explore content innovation and new use-case breakthroughs, all centered around the OST form factor.
If you’re hungry for more details, mark your calendars!
More technical parameters and market information for Project Aura are set to be unveiled at the 2025 Augmented World Expo (AWE) conference in June.
China’s Tech Scene Gets a Boost: Supply Chain Wins
This Google-XREAL AR glasses venture is expected to create significant ripples, especially for the domestic Chinese industry chain.
Cai Lien She (财联社) learned from informed sources that several A-share listed companies are poised to benefit.
Keep an eye on names like:
These companies are expected to provide corresponding support for the new AR glasses manufacturing.
The Road to 2027: Strategic Alliances for Advanced AI Glasses
The ambition in the AI/AR space is soaring, and strategic partnerships are key.
Back in February of this year, a significant “Strategic Cooperation Agreement for AI/AR Industry Chain” was inked by:
- Longqi Technology (Longqi Keji 龙旗科技)
- Jingsheng Electromechanical (Jingsheng Jidian 晶盛机电)
- XREAL
- Kunyou Optoelectronics (Kunyou Guangdian 鲲游光电)
Their target? The 2027 AI glasses inflection point, with the goal of developing L4 advanced smart glasses.
XREAL founder and CEO, Xu Chi (Xu Chi 陈驰), shared a powerful vision:
“AI is the next generation of human-computer interaction, and AI glasses are the next generation of computing terminals and data portals.”
He further elaborated on the timeline:
“2025 is only the first year for L2 level AI glasses; L4 advanced AI glasses will arrive in 2027.”
Xu Chi pinpoints 2027 as the real inflection point for AI/AR glasses.
Key Players in the AR Ecosystem: Lingyi Manufacturing’s Role
Another important player in XREAL’s ecosystem is Lingyi Manufacturing (Lingyi Zhizao 领益智造).
The company has stated they are a long-term strategic partner of XREAL.
Their contribution includes critical manufacturing aspects for XREAL’s Air AR glasses, such as:
- Complete assembly
- Injection molded structural parts
- Acoustic component manufacturing
Smart Eyewear Market on the Rise: IDC Projections
The smart eyewear market is buzzing with potential, and the numbers back it up.
According to forecasts from IDC, global smart eyewear shipments are expected to hit 12.05 million units in 2025.
That’s a hefty year-on-year increase of 18.3%.
This figure inclusively covers AR/VR glasses and also audio-capture glasses that don’t have displays.
Expect a flurry of activity this year, with several domestic and international manufacturers slated to launch their smart eyewear products.
This includes both AR glasses with display functions and those audio-capture glasses without displays.
Expert Take: Navigating the Smart Eyewear Landscape
Pan Xuefei (Pan Xuefei 潘雪菲), Research Director at IDC China, provided some valuable context to Cai Lien She (财联社).
For audio-capture glasses (without display functions):
- These face less pressure and fewer challenges regarding cost and technology.
- This makes the price point more affordable for consumers.
- However, they will heavily rely on large AI models and GUI capabilities to effectively become the “eyes” of AI.
- The goal is to achieve smooth human-computer interaction and build a complete software ecosystem across scenarios like:
- Entertainment
- Smart travel
- Office work
- Learning
For AR glasses (with display functions):
- Pan Xuefei (Pan Xuefei 潘雪菲) noted that beyond AI capabilities, the core function lies in the display.
- This means a higher requirement for the synergy of:
- Display capabilities
- Computing power
- Wearing comfort
- Manufacturers also face greater pressure on cost control, leading to relatively higher product pricing.
- Currently, AR glasses are primarily focused on niche application scenarios to deliver unique value.
- The future outlook? They are expected to upgrade to consumer-grade “complete” glasses once the supply chain matures further and costs come down.
This Google-XREAL partnership and the broader advancements in the AR/AI glasses space signal an exciting future, making the next few years pivotal for wearable AR technology adoption.
- Projected Global Shipments (AR/VR & Audio-Capture): 12.05 million units
- Projected Year-on-Year Increase: 18.3%
- Includes: Both AR glasses with displays and audio-capture glasses without displays
The Power Trio Behind Project Aura: Google, XREAL, and Qualcomm
So, what’s the deal with this collaboration?
Here’s the lowdown on who’s bringing what to the table for Project Aura:
- Google (Guge 谷歌): They’re providing the crucial platform support, focusing on the operating system and the broader XR ecosystem. Think of them as laying the digital foundation.
- XREAL: Known for their sleek designs, XREAL is handling the hardware, specifically lightweight AR glasses.
- Qualcomm (Gaotong 高通): The powerhouse behind the processing, the device will be powered by their Snapdragon® XR chips.
Resume Captain
Your AI Career Toolkit:
- AI Resume Optimization
- Custom Cover Letters
- LinkedIn Profile Boost
- Interview Question Prep
- Salary Negotiation Agent
Building the Future: The Android XR Development Ecosystem
The launch of Project Aura is more than just new specs; it’s the genesis of the Android XR development ecosystem.
Google (Guge 谷歌), XREAL, and Qualcomm (Gaotong 高通) are throwing down the gauntlet, inviting global developers to jump in.
The mission? To collaboratively explore content innovation and new use-case breakthroughs, all centered around the OST form factor.
If you’re hungry for more details, mark your calendars!
More technical parameters and market information for Project Aura are set to be unveiled at the 2025 Augmented World Expo (AWE) conference in June.
China’s Tech Scene Gets a Boost: Supply Chain Wins
This Google-XREAL AR glasses venture is expected to create significant ripples, especially for the domestic Chinese industry chain.
Cai Lien She (财联社) learned from informed sources that several A-share listed companies are poised to benefit.
Keep an eye on names like:
These companies are expected to provide corresponding support for the new AR glasses manufacturing.
Find Top Talent on China's Leading Networks
- Post Across China's Job Sites from $299 / role, or
- Hire Our Recruiting Pros from $799 / role
- Qualified Candidate Bundles
- Lower Hiring Costs by 80%+
- Expert Team Since 2014
Your First Job Post
The Road to 2027: Strategic Alliances for Advanced AI Glasses
The ambition in the AI/AR space is soaring, and strategic partnerships are key.
Back in February of this year, a significant “Strategic Cooperation Agreement for AI/AR Industry Chain” was inked by:
- Longqi Technology (Longqi Keji 龙旗科技)
- Jingsheng Electromechanical (Jingsheng Jidian 晶盛机电)
- XREAL
- Kunyou Optoelectronics (Kunyou Guangdian 鲲游光电)
Their target? The 2027 AI glasses inflection point, with the goal of developing L4 advanced smart glasses.
XREAL founder and CEO, Xu Chi (Xu Chi 陈驰), shared a powerful vision:
“AI is the next generation of human-computer interaction, and AI glasses are the next generation of computing terminals and data portals.”
He further elaborated on the timeline:
“2025 is only the first year for L2 level AI glasses; L4 advanced AI glasses will arrive in 2027.”
Xu Chi pinpoints 2027 as the real inflection point for AI/AR glasses.
ExpatInvest China
Grow Your RMB in China:
- Invest Your RMB Locally
- Buy & Sell Online in CN¥
- No Lock-In Periods
- English Service & Data
- Start with Only ¥1,000
Key Players in the AR Ecosystem: Lingyi Manufacturing’s Role
Another important player in XREAL’s ecosystem is Lingyi Manufacturing (Lingyi Zhizao 领益智造).
The company has stated they are a long-term strategic partner of XREAL.
Their contribution includes critical manufacturing aspects for XREAL’s Air AR glasses, such as:
- Complete assembly
- Injection molded structural parts
- Acoustic component manufacturing
Smart Eyewear Market on the Rise: IDC Projections
The smart eyewear market is buzzing with potential, and the numbers back it up.
According to forecasts from IDC, global smart eyewear shipments are expected to hit 12.05 million units in 2025.
That’s a hefty year-on-year increase of 18.3%.
This figure inclusively covers AR/VR glasses and also audio-capture glasses that don’t have displays.
Expect a flurry of activity this year, with several domestic and international manufacturers slated to launch their smart eyewear products.
This includes both AR glasses with display functions and those audio-capture glasses without displays.
Expert Take: Navigating the Smart Eyewear Landscape
Pan Xuefei (Pan Xuefei 潘雪菲), Research Director at IDC China, provided some valuable context to Cai Lien She (财联社).
For audio-capture glasses (without display functions):
- These face less pressure and fewer challenges regarding cost and technology.
- This makes the price point more affordable for consumers.
- However, they will heavily rely on large AI models and GUI capabilities to effectively become the “eyes” of AI.
- The goal is to achieve smooth human-computer interaction and build a complete software ecosystem across scenarios like:
- Entertainment
- Smart travel
- Office work
- Learning
For AR glasses (with display functions):
- Pan Xuefei (Pan Xuefei 潘雪菲) noted that beyond AI capabilities, the core function lies in the display.
- This means a higher requirement for the synergy of:
- Display capabilities
- Computing power
- Wearing comfort
- Manufacturers also face greater pressure on cost control, leading to relatively higher product pricing.
- Currently, AR glasses are primarily focused on niche application scenarios to deliver unique value.
- The future outlook? They are expected to upgrade to consumer-grade “complete” glasses once the supply chain matures further and costs come down.
This Google-XREAL partnership and the broader advancements in the AR/AI glasses space signal an exciting future, making the next few years pivotal for wearable AR technology adoption.
![Unitree Robotics CEO Spills on Why Humanoid Robots are the Future (and They're Hiring!) [FreshFromChina]](https://freshfromchina.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Unitree_Robotics_CEO_Spills_on_Why_Humanoid_Robots_are_the_Future_and_Theyre_Hiring____FreshFromChina-150x150.png)
![China-US Economic Talks Signal Potential Thaw: What Investors and Tech Need to Know [FreshFromChina]](https://freshfromchina.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/China_US_economic_talks_signal_potential_thaw_what_investors_and_tech_need_to_know_TeamedUpChina-150x150.png)
