Google confirms acquisition of microLED display startup

The Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2. <br>Image source: Google

Google confirmed that it has acquired Raxium, a startup and innovator in single panel microLED display technologies.

Rick Osterloh, the senior vice president of devices and services at Google, revealed Raxium has spent 5 years developing miniaturised, cost-effective and energy-efficient high-resolution displays that formed the foundation for future display technologies.

Osterloh added that Raxium's technical expertise in microLED technology will be criticial to Google's hardware efforts. As microLED enables slimmer designs, brighter panels and lower power consumptions, it is expected to be used in AR, VR and mixed reality headsets.

Google is reportedly building an AR headset for launch in 2024, and it is not the only company looking into microLED display technology. Apple is said to have explored microLED display technology for years to use on its devices.

DigiTimes reported in 2018 that Apple could be working with PlayNitride in the microLED market. Apple is also believed to be investing heavily in new plants to make microLED and miniLED displays. Its upcoming mixed reality headset, rumoured to debut next year, is expected to use micro OLED display panels. TSMC is believed to be the supplier of these panels.

Source: Google