Magic Leap CEO Rony Abovitz has responded to the reports that said the AR startup "oversold" the device it's working on.
The product in question is an AR headset that sports the same form factor as a pair of common glasses with a lot of power under the hood, and the people behind it have promised it would boast revolutionary technology that'll trump the competition such as Microsoft's HoloLens.
However, The Information recently revealed that the company is having some problems in making that a reality. That said, Abovitz hints otherwise.
Abovitz: Production Test Runs Already In Gear
Taking things to Twitter, Abovitz says that Magic Leap's factory is now conducting "mini-production runs" of the device, describing it as "small, sleek, and cool."
In our factory now: we are making mini-production test runs of our first system: small, sleek, cool
— Rony Abovitz (@rabovitz) December 9, 2016
Of course, this contradicts earlier claims that product is far from happening. More than that, he also posted on Magic Leap's blog, urging everyone to "stay tuned."
"The team and I are humbled by the overwhelming interest and support for our vision and technology. All of us are pouring very long hours, heart, and soul into making something new — how we will enable your digital and physical worlds to come together in a very personal, social, and magical way," he says, noting that the team is already working on the software and quality of the headset.
Magic Leap Headset Deficient At Commercial Release
Before Abovitz's recently made promises, the aforementioned details surrounding the Magic Leap headset from The Information included statements from former employees.
According to them, the technology in the device won't have everything that the startup said it would have when it launches.
To put two and two together, that means Magic Leap's headset may very well be underway, but it won't exactly be the product that investors and consumers alike have been expecting from the company.
Funding From Google, Qualcomm, And Others
In the past few years, the technology Magic Leap has demonstrated was more than enough to garner funding support from big companies, including Google, Qualcomm, and Alibaba, to name a few.
As a result, the startup has raised $1.4 billion, earning a $4.5 billion valuation this year. Interestingly enough, Google CEO Sundar Pichai has a position in the company's board of directors.
'Believe'
Long story short, Magic Leap is set to deliver the headset that the public wants to see — a pair of glasses that can power software like the video titled "Just another day in the office at Magic Leap" above. However, there's a possibility that the whole package will come a bit shorter than anticipated.
On that note, Abovitz is encouraging everyone to "believe" via Twitter.
Believe. pic.twitter.com/wXZqrL8fZn — Rony Abovitz (@rabovitz) December 9, 2016
With all said and done, what do you think Magic Leap is going to bring to the table? Drop by our comments section and let us know.
