Word on the street is that Google is gearing up to buy out a Canadian eye-tracking startup called AdHawk Microsystems Inc. This move could give a significant boost to Google’s expanding venture into the realm of XR headsets and smart glasses.
The scoop, delivered by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, suggests that Google might be shelling out a cool $115 million for AdHawk, according to insiders who have the skinny on the deal. On top of that, there’s supposedly another $15 million on the table for performance-related milestones. While there are whispers that the acquisition might wrap up this week, nothing’s been inked yet, so there’s still a hint of uncertainty. Once the deal is sealed—and if it is—AdHawk’s team is expected to merge with Google’s Android XR division.
Interestingly, this isn’t AdHawk’s first ride on the acquisition merry-go-round. Back in 2022, there were rumblings that Meta was in the final stages of snapping them up.
AdHawk has carved out its niche thanks to its standout eye-tracking technology, which swaps out conventional cameras for advanced micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). The result? Faster processing speeds and lower power consumption—two features that are high on the wish list for any AR or smart glasses developer.
AdHawk’s flagship offering is the MindLink glasses, a device targeted at research that links eye movement with neurological and ocular health, as well as human behavior and emotional state, according to their website. They also provide their innovative eye-tracking modules for VR researchers, which even works with devices like the Meta Quest.
Both Google and AdHawk are keeping mum about these reports, but Google’s been bolstering its XR lineup to stand toe-to-toe with heavyweights like Meta and Apple.
Back in December, Google turned heads by unveiling Android XR. This marked a big pivot for the tech giant as they introduced a beefed-up version of Android tailored for headsets. This includes XR-specific applications along with the complete Android suite. Android XR is supposedly set to make its debut with Samsung’s Project Moohan mixed reality headset, although details on its release and pricing remain under wraps.
In January, Google made headlines once again with their acquisition of several HTC XR engineers, a deal clocking in at $250 million. This move was aimed at fast-tracking the development of the Android XR platform across both headsets and glasses ecosystems.
Scooping up an innovative eye-tracking startup like AdHawk could be a game-changer for Google’s internal XR hardware initiatives, which have seen their fair share of ups and downs. Over the years, Google has pulled the plug on numerous XR projects, like the Daydream VR platform in 2019, Google Glass for Enterprise in 2023, and the Iris AR glasses project in 2024.
