Mark Lukowski, who led operating systems within Google’s augmented reality division, has departed from the company. He cited shifts in leadership and evolving directions for the AR group as the primary reasons behind his decision.
In Lukowski’s own words, the ongoing leadership changes within Google’s AR unit and the company’s shifting strategic vision significantly influenced his choice to move on.
Reports from The Verge indicate that Lukowski’s exit adds to a series of challenges faced by Google’s augmented reality team in recent months. The period has included layoffs and the resignation of Clay Bayvor, a former head of Google’s virtual reality experiences, further destabilizing the division.
Industry chatter suggests Google has paused its efforts to develop augmented reality glasses codenamed Project Iris. Additionally, the enterprise version of Google Glass, Google’s early AR project, appears to be discontinued as part of a broader strategic pause.
Prior to joining Google in 2021, Lukowski spent four years at Facebook, where he oversaw Oculus VR as general manager. His move to Google aimed to steer the company’s AR operating system development, bringing expertise from a prominent VR ecosystem to Google’s AR ambitions.
With the release cycle of the Quest 3 and anticipated competition from Apple’s Vision Pro, the mixed reality market is heating up. Industry insiders suggest Google may shift toward software solutions compatible with devices featuring AR capabilities, rather than pursuing new hardware on a broad scale.
The narrative surrounding Google’s AR strategy remains unresolved, with analysts pointing to a period of strategic recalibration that could redefine how the company approaches augmented reality over the coming years.