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Google and Partners Announce Multiple Smart Glasses Models Targeting Fall 2026 Launch

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Google I/O 2025: The Future of Smart Glasses is Here

At the Google I/O developer conference, Google announced a series of AI-powered smart glasses developed in partnership with Samsung, Warby Parker, Gentle Monster, and Xreal. Multiple product variants were unveiled, ranging from audio-only models to mixed-reality display prototypes, with launch windows spanning from fall 2025 to 2027.

Product Announcements

Audio-Only Smart Glasses (Google, Samsung, Warby Parker, Gentle Monster)

Google, in collaboration with Samsung, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster, announced a line of audio-only smart glasses. The devices feature an exterior camera, microphone, and speaker, but no in-lens display. They are powered by the Android XR platform and the Gemini AI assistant. The glasses are designed to be activated by voice ("Hey Google") or by tapping the frame.

The audio-only glasses are scheduled to launch in fall 2026. Pricing has not been announced. Google has committed up to $150 million as part of its partnership with Warby Parker and invested $100 million for a 4% stake in Gentle Monster in June 2025. A Gucci collaboration for a luxury model has been confirmed for 2027.

Project Aura / Xreal Aura (Mixed-Reality Glasses)

Xreal demonstrated "Project Aura," a prototype of mixed-reality glasses built on the Android XR platform. The device has since been renamed "Xreal Aura." It uses a tethered connection to a phone-sized compute puck with a trackpad and fingerprint sensor. The glasses offer a 70-degree field of view OLED display and are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.

Navigation is handled primarily through hand gestures, including a pinching motion. Features include spatial computing capabilities such as 3D AR doodles and identifying molecular structures of real-world objects. The glasses can also mirror a laptop display via USB-C cable.

Xreal Aura is expected to launch in fall 2026 in the US, UK, Japan, Canada, and South Korea. Reservations are available for a $99 deposit, which includes a $199 launch credit. An additional "Founder Priority Pass" is available for $299, guaranteeing launch-day delivery and special edition hardware. The base model price is not to exceed $1,500. Xreal has stated that the company anticipates breaking even next year after years of industry-wide losses.

X by Xreal (XBX) A01 (Budget Display Glasses)

Xreal also announced a new sub-brand, "X by Xreal" (XBX), with its first product, the a01 display glasses. These glasses are priced at $299, weigh 62 grams, and feature 1,600 nits brightness with HDR10 support. They lack camera sensors, electrochromic dimming, and Bose audio. The a01 is designed for consuming content from tethered devices such as phones and laptops.

The a01 is expected to launch in China first, followed by the US in July.

Platform and Compatibility

All smartphone-connected models are based on the Android XR platform and are designed to work with both Android and iOS operating systems. Google has released design documentation and development tools for Android XR apps. The design language for Android XR glasses is called "Glimmer."

Featured Capabilities

Demonstrated capabilities for the audio and display glasses include:

  • Contextual Awareness: Gemini can identify objects, provide reviews for restaurants, and decode signs.
  • Navigation: Turn-by-turn directions based on location and orientation.
  • Hands-Free Communication: Managing calls, sending texts, summarizing missed messages, and playing music.
  • Photo and Video Capture: Taking photos and videos by voice command or button, with AI editing features (e.g., removing background distractions, transforming images).
  • Language Translation: Real-time translation of speech and text with voice matching.
  • Multi-Step Tasks: Gemini can perform tasks such as ordering coffee via DoorDash or booking rides via Uber, requiring only final confirmation.
  • App Integration: Voice control of third-party apps like Uber and Mondly.

Privacy and Hardware Controls

Google mandates specific physical controls for all Android XR glasses, including a power button, touchpad, and a dedicated camera button. Models with displays will also feature a display button. The glasses incorporate two LEDs: one for the wearer and one for bystanders, which provide system UI indicators for device and feature states. Code within a discovered companion app indicates that recorded data, including conversations, images, and videos, will remain private to the user.

Market Context

Google's entry into the smart glasses market follows Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have sold over 7 million units in 2025. According to Smart Analytics Global, global AI smart glasses revenue is projected to reach $5.6 billion in 2026, up from $1.2 billion in 2025. Approximately 5% of U.S. adults plan to buy smart glasses in the next 12 months. Common barriers include high costs (56% of consumers) and privacy concerns (47%).

Background

Google's previous attempt at consumer smart glasses, Google Glass (2013-2015), was discontinued following privacy backlash. The company revealed the Android XR platform at I/O 2024, teasing smart glasses at that time. The Samsung Galaxy XR headset, Google's first Android XR device, launched at $1,799 in October 2025.