Google is expected to debut its AI-powered Android XR smart glasses, rivaling Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. Google first teased the return of smart glasses at its I/O keynote in 2024 (remember Google Glasses?). Last year, the company showed off a Gemini-powered prototype version, which Abrar Al-Heeti, CNET's senior tech reporter, tested at Mobile World Congress. Al-Heeti was especially impressed by the Google Maps demo, which provided directions based on a picture she viewed through the glasses, as well as the ability to look at a vinyl album cover and ask Gemini to play a song from it. Sounds
Can Google Wow Us at I/O 2026? Here's What It Has to Get RightNot all smart glasses look alike, and not all models have cameras. The vast majority of camera glasses currently available are produced by Meta. The easiest way to identify a pair is by locating the indicator light -- a small LED bulb that turns on when the wearer is taking a picture or video. According to CNET editor and wearable tech expert Scott Stein, "Each pair of smart glasses has its own type of indicator. And many smart glasses do different things. We don't have a clear mental map of what to look for. That's a big part of the problem." Meta Ray-Bans have been around since 2021. (They l
These Glasses Have a Hidden Camera – Here's How to Tell if They're Recording You… There are two key developments to look out for at Google I/O that may answer that question: smart glasses and agentic AI . Watch this: Google I/O 2026: New Gemini, Smart Glasses and a Whole New Laptop OS. Here's What to Expect 06:44 What will Google add to the smart glasses market? …
… More from CNET : The Best Smart Glasses for 2026 Specifics for the glasses The operating system for Galaxy Glasses will be Android XR , which was developed by Samsung and Google and is used for smart glasses and headsets that utilize Extended Reality, an overarching term that includes Augmented Rea… …
… Google's going to be discussing its own glasses app development strategies next week, and it'll be interesting to compare how the approaches differ as big tech tries to find more ways to justify smart glasses with displays.
… Smart glasses and privacy problems Much of the general public still doesn't know anything about smart glasses, and that's a major problem. Some smart glasses wearers are exploiting the ignorance by harassing strangers and filming their reactions . …
… Google is also expected to debut its line of smart glasses this year, alongside Warby Parker and Korean fashion brand Gentle Monster. The smartwatch precedent for smart fashion glasses It reminds me heavily of what happened with smartwatches about a decade ago. …
… A separate sort of AR glasses experience, Project Aura The Xreal-made glasses work differently from the other smart glasses, acting more like a mini VR headset than an all-day set of eyewear. …
… Meanwhile, wireless smart glasses aim to be true everyday glasses. They’ll likely replace your existing glasses, become an additional pair or maybe act as smart sunglasses. …
… Scott, you think about smart glasses all the time. And especially now, since Google is expected to launch a full line of smart glasses from its eyewear partners sometime this year. …
The Future of Smart Glasses Is Coming This Fall The Future of Smart Glasses Is Coming This Fall We went to Google for a deep dive on glasses coming later this year, including ones co-developed with Samsung and Xreal. …
… "Experientially, the full Gemini layer across Android can command it to do a lot," said Scott Stein, CNET's smart glasses expert. "On iPhones, Apple locks that down, and Gemini can’t command iOS beyond the Gemini app. So I expect it’ll be more like how Meta glasses work. …