In a recent development, GV, the venture capital division of Google by Alphabet Inc., has invested in a Finnish startup called Distance Technologies. This startup is revolutionizing how we interact with technology by integrating mixed reality technology into car windshields and airplane cockpits.
Distance Technologies has successfully raised €10 million ($11.1 million) in a seed funding round led by GV. The round also saw participation from other investors such as FOV Ventures and Maki.vc, as reported by CNBC on Thursday.
Distance, based in Helsinki, is developing a revolutionary technology that can transform any transparent surface into an augmented reality display. This eliminates the need for bulky hardware like mixed reality headsets or augmented reality glasses. The company’s technology uses sophisticated tracking to identify the user’s gaze and then calculates the perfect light field to match the exact position of their eyes.
This investment by GV in Distance Technologies is a significant move, especially considering Google’s renewed interest in the augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) market. Earlier this year, Google entered a strategic partnership with Magic Leap, an augmented reality startup, to create immersive experiences that blend the physical and digital worlds. This partnership aimed to leverage Magic Leap’s expertise in optics and device manufacturing alongside Google’s powerful technology platforms.
Distance’s technology, primarily targeting the automotive, aerospace, and defense markets, has the potential to revolutionize these sectors by creating life-size fields of view in any environment. This aligns perfectly with Google’s strategic direction in the AR/VR market and could give them a significant edge over competitors like Meta Platforms Inc. and Apple Inc.
The potential applications of this technology are vast and exciting. Imagine having access to real-time navigation, vital information, and entertainment directly projected onto your car’s windshield. Or picture pilots using mixed reality overlays to navigate complex airspace and receive critical data during flights. These are just a few examples of how Distance Technologies’ innovation could transform our world.
