I'm a product person focused on consumer experiences for AI, AR/VR, and beyond.
This page shows a bit of what I’ve worked on over the years.
🕶 Google AR/VR
What I was up to
From 2015-2021, I led product teams building VR/AR software. Most recently I led the software team for AR Glasses. We built things like Live Translation. Before that, I led VR Apps where we reimagined the best of Google’s apps for VR: Maps, YouTube, Photos, and more.
Products
đź“°Â Press Snippets
VR's killer app has arrived, and it's Google Earth. It dropped my jaw anew. This, more than any other game or app for [HTV Vive's] SteamVR, makes me want to call every friend I know and tell them to come over, put on a headset, and warp anywhere. — ARSTECHNICA
Google’s own apps really shine in VR. Exploring the Pyramids of Giza through Google Street View is fantastic, the ... I almost feel like I’m there! sensation you can’t get through a computer. — FAST COMPANY
YouTube's new AR feature lets you virtually try on makeup while watching videos. Makeuptutorials are some of the most popular content on YouTube. YouTube is now kicking that experience up a notch with a new AR feature for virtual try-on. — TECHCRUNCH
đź›’Â Amazon Devices.
What I was up to
My first PM job was at Amazon. From 2011-2014, I led product teams focsed on software for Fire Tablets, Fire Phone, Alexa, Kindle, and Amazon Health Alexa. One key role was building Amazon’s maps platform from the ground up. It’s used today in Amazon Logistics to power deliveries and in Alexa to offer things like traffic updates. In another role, I incubated a new telemedicine app (Amazon Care) and pitched it to Jeff Bezos to receive funding.
Hit me up: Twitter (@mikepodwal) or mikepodwal@gmail.com.