Google said it plans to introduce its first AI-enabled smart glasses in 2026, expanding its push into consumer AI devices and positioning itself against rivals such as Meta. The company is developing two product categories: audio-only glasses that interface with its Gemini assistant, and eyewear with built-in displays capable of showing navigation, translations, and other augmented-reality overlays.
According to Bloomberg and CNBC, the company disclosed the plans on December 8, adding that it is working with Samsung, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster on hardware design. Warby Parker separately stated in a regulatory filing that the first models from its partnership with Google are expected to debut in 2026. Google did not specify which of the early hardware styles will ship first.
The devices will run on Android XR, Google's operating system for mixed-reality hardware. Google also demonstrated several prototype designs, including monocular and binocular versions with integrated displays, as well as glasses developed with Xreal under the codename Project Aura. Like Meta's Ray-Ban Meta line, most of Google's prototypes rely on a paired smartphone for processing, allowing the glasses to remain lightweight.
Alongside the glasses announcement, Google unveiled updates for Samsung's US$1,800 Galaxy XR headset. New features include a travel mode designed to stabilize the mixed-reality interface during use in moving vehicles, and a PC Connect app that enables any Windows PC to mirror its screen inside the XR environment. The app, currently in beta, also supports gaming and broadens compatibility beyond Samsung's own Galaxy Book laptops. Google said a macOS version is under development. The companies are also introducing more realistic "Likeness" avatars for video calls.
Google's renewed investment in smart glasses follows earlier attempts with Google Glass, which struggled in the consumer market due to design and privacy concerns. The new effort comes as AI-enabled wearables gain traction, with Meta's Ray-Ban models achieving strong sales and other companies, including Snap and Alibaba, preparing new offerings. The broader market is expected to grow as advances in on-device AI enable lightweight glasses to handle more real-time tasks.
Article edited by Jack Wu
