Google to launch its first AI smart glasses next year
What's the story
Google is gearing up to enter the smart glasses market with a major focus on artificial intelligence (AI). The tech giant has announced that its first next-generation AI-powered glasses will hit the market in 2026. This announcement comes as part of Google's strategy to take on Meta, which has already established a stronghold in the AI wearables space with its popular Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
Strategic partnerships
Collaboration with industry leaders for hardware designs
Google has revealed that it is working with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker to co-develop the hardware designs for its AI glasses. Warby Parker has already confirmed a 2026 launch window in a regulatory filing. This comes after Google's $150 million strategic commitment with Warby Parker announced earlier this year.
Product details
Two product categories
Google plans to launch two categories of AI glasses. The first is the audio-only glasses that will let users talk to the Gemini AI assistant hands-free. The second category comprises more advanced eyewear with an in-lens display for navigation prompts, translations, as well as other contextual information. All these glasses will run on Google's operating system for headsets and mixed-reality devices, Android XR.
Market dynamics
Google's renewed confidence
Google's renewed confidence in the smart glasses market is driven by recent AI breakthroughs. Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, had previously said that earlier attempts failed because the technology wasn't ready and supply chain issues made them expensive. However, with today's more powerful on-device AI and better manufacturing partnerships, Google thinks the balance between utility and distraction now favors consumers.
Market competition
Meta's dominance and other competitors in AI wearables
Despite Google's renewed efforts, the competitive landscape has changed drastically. Meta is now the leader in AI wearables, thanks to its successful Ray-Ban partnership with EssilorLuxottica. The company has also launched display-enabled glasses with features like message previews and live captions directly embedded into a lens. Other players like Snap and Alibaba are also making their own versions of AI glasses, adding more competition as the market matures.