At yesterday’s Google I/O 2026, Google unveiled its upcoming Android XR smart eyewear platform, which is being developed with Samsung. Through this collaboration, these tech brands have become the latest players to join the evolving eyewear category.
The new AI-powered glasses utilize Google’s Gemini AI for hands-free assistance for wearers. assistant with this wearable. The frames are being developed in collaboration with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, and the company announced that additional partners, including Kering Eyewear, will bring more options in the future.
Tech Features and Options
Google previewed two categories of devices. The first is an audio-only option that the company says will be available this fall. At a later date, the company will launch an advanced version of the smart glasses with a heads-up display for visual overlays and augmented reality features. Pricing has not been announced.
Features discussed during the keynote and announced by the company include:
- Voice interaction through Gemini AI
- Navigation assistance and walking directions
- Real-time language translation
- Text messaging and summarized notifications
- Calendar integration and reminders
- Photo capture using onboard cameras
- Contextual recommendations based on surroundings
“Intelligent eyewear represents a powerful step forward in our shared vision with Samsung to make AI more helpful and accessible in everyday life,” said Shahram Izadi, vice president and GM of Android XR at Google. “Combining the best of Google’s AI and the Android ecosystem together with Samsung’s leadership in mobile hardware and Gentle Monster and Warby Parker’s premium design, we are helping users stay connected and fashionable in a more natural, hands-free way.”
Smart Eyewear Landscape
The announcement builds momentum for an increasingly competitive smart eyewear category. EssilorLuxottica has been an early leader with its Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta products having sold more than 7 million smart eyewear units worldwide in 2025. Other options on the market include MODO Eyefly, Lucyd, Solos, Amazon Echo, Safilo, and Vuzix. Plus, tech companies like Apple and OpenAI are widely expected to announce smart eyewear products in the near future.