Amazon could be working on an AR/VR device — here's what it could be

Amazon Echo Frames v2 review — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Amazon could be working on new augmented reality smart home devices aimed at consumers, according to job listings for several new roles.

AR and VR, collectively known as XR or 'extended reality,' is the next big thing in tech, with Facebook/Meta betting big on it and Apple heavily rumored to be building its own Apple mixed reality headset. Now it appears Amazon could be joining that gang in the near future.

Protocol spotted the job listings, which include job descriptions for a software engineer (now removed) and a “Sr. Technical Program Manager, New Products - XR”. The latter appears to have been edited to remove any mentions of XR, but according to Protocol, the original listing specified that the Program Manager will “develop an advanced XR research concept into a magical and useful new-to-world consumer product.”

The listing, and another for Sr. Product Manager, also asks for “experience building deeply technical products, e.g., AI/ML, robotics, games.” The software engineer listing, meanwhile, described the job as “conceiving and developing key software and architecture for a new-to-world smart-home product” as part of a “new cross-functional team.”

XR is an all-encompassing term for any kind of 'reality' product — be it virtual, augmented, mixed or something else entirely. The listing information specifically mentioned AR by name, suggesting that’s the primary purpose of this incoming device.

However, it doesn’t discount the possibility that Amazon is working on a mixed reality headset. Apple's rumored VR headset will reportedly also have see-through AR, and it would make sense for other companies to try something similar.

Amazon has dabbled in glasses before, having released two generations of the Alexa-powered Echo Frames. These have built-in speakers, touch controls and support for digital assistants, so it wouldn't be surprising if Amazon wanted to enhance them with AR in the near future.

Considering Amazon has come up with some really weird products in recent years, including the Alexa-powered Smart Oven and the Astro home robot, AR glasses don’t seem that outlandish by comparison.

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Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.