10 AR Companies To Watch After Google-Raxium Deal Disclosed

The Alphabet Inc.-owned internet giant may be looking to redeem its faltering Google Glass AR hardware concept with new wearable technology. CRN also takes a dive into the AR/VR world with a list of 10 hot companies to watch.

It appears Google can’t give up its augmented reality-bespectacled dream, striking a deal to buy Freemont, Calif.-based Raxium, a company that uses microLED tech to make small wearable devices, according to a report from The Information.

With Meta, Snap, and Apple all making microLED acquisitions for their own AR ambitions, the race is on for future AR headset and glasses releases. In December, the New York Times reported that Google was launching a new AR wearable project, though the company declined to confirm. Raxium was not the first to market with microLED, but says it makes the tech more cost effective. While details of the Google deal weren’t confirmed, Raxium is said to be valued at about $1 billion.

This isn’t the first time Google has made further investments in its AR glasses quest. In 2020, the company reportedly showered $180 million on North, a Canadian AR glasses startup.

At the time, Rick Osterloh, a Google hardware executive wrote on Google’s blog, “We’re building towards a future where helpfulness is all around you, where all your devices just work together and technology fades into the background,” Osterloh wrote.

Also fading into the background was the public rollout of Google Glass, the company’s much-hyped first attempt to enter the AR realm, despite several years of development and a public launch in 2014. While Google still makes an enterprise version of the hardware, the public version of Google Glass was laid to rest with little fanfare about five years ago.

But as the new buzz surrounding the metaverse continues to grab headlines, Google and many tech companies are beginning to develop AR and VR technologies around the concept. This purchase may be a signal that Google is changing gears with the wearable tech. And while its first public attempt fell flat, a forecast report by Statistica pegs the future AR and virtual reality (VR) market at $209 billion. Google did not return messages seeking comment.

CRN examines 10 companies shaping the booming AR/VR industry, including 4Experience, NEXT/NOW, Interexy, 8ninths, Groove Jones, Credencys Solutions, INDE, Pixel and Texel, Buckhead Apps, and Delivr.

4Experience

4Experience specializes in VR and AR for businesses and is also developing AR glasses. But most of the Poland-based company’s focus lies in VR & AR content development and some research and consulting. Founded in 2014, the company’s AR portfolio includes remote tech support, travel catalog, support for a 3D printer, a marketing app, and an AR coloring book. The company’s clients include Cisco, Ford, Omron, and Walmart.

NEXT/NOW

Chicago, IL-based NEXT/NOW is one of the top AR businesses, using display concepts, natural user interfaces, motion and gesture interactivity to develop AR applications. You may have seen the companies work with the LG interactive video Times Square collaborations, Target’s in-store AR kiosks, and the Las Vegas Fremont Street Experience of multiple experiential films featuring the world’s largest video screen.

Interexy

Founded in 2017, Miami, Fla. -based Interexy is a company specializing in AR/VR app development integrated with IoT, retail, healthcare, education and fitness. The company employs 50 people to create digital spaces utilizing AR/VF, custom software development, and other marketing services. The company also focuses on business digitalization, full-cycle app development, staff augmentation, ongoing support and maintenance.

8ninths

Seattle-based 8ninths offers AR for businesses with solutions for strategy, design and development. “Our creative strategy and execution translates to a variety of platforms, from high end room-scale VR systems and AR headsets, to your familiar mobile phone,” the company states on its website. A few of their AR app clients include Magic Leap One, Microsoft HoloLens, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and more.

Groove Jones

Dallas-based Groove Jones is an AR production company best known for work in AR, VR, machine learning, and AI application development. The GrooveTech designer is their proprietary group of technologies. The team here has created location-based entertainment and amusement park rides, developed enterprise apps and games, and directed broadcast commercials and feature motion pictures. The company was founded in 2015.

Credencys Solution

The La Palma, Calif.-based Credencys provides advanced technical solutions in AR development with apps for both web and mobile platforms. The company provides a full range of custom software development services, including strategy and consulting, application design, and application development. Founded in 2008, the company’s clients include Samsung, ABB, Cisco and more.

INDE

Los Angeles-based INDE builds interactive and advanced products in various sectors like advertising, education and entertainment. Founded in 2011, the team launched AR systems in more than 40 countries with brands like Guinness Book of World Records, BBC Worldwide, WWF, Coca-Cola, 20th Century Fox, National Geographic and American Express. The company was founded in 2011.

Pixel and Texel

Founded in 2011, Dallas-based Pixel and Texel have been designing and developing made-to-order applications for AR and other emerging technologies with websites and backend solutions. All app development is handled in-house. Clients include Qualcomm, Oculus, Meta, and NCAA.

Buckhead Apps

Atlanta-based Buckhead apps offers design development in the Atlanta Tech Village, the fourth largest tech hub in the United States. Clients include Handoff Pro, Menta AR, JonnyOnIt, and Softgiving. The firm was founded in 2007.

Delivr

Gdansk, Poland-based Delivr creates solutions for VR and AR, creating the first application based on the ARKit engine, and the world’s first application combining ARKit and IoT hardware. Clients include Santander Bank, Schneider Electric, and Land Rover. The company was founded in 2017.