Google Unveils Android XR Smart Glasses With Gemini AI

Coin WorldWednesday, May 21, 2025 12:03 am ET
2min read

Google has introduced Android XR, a new extended reality platform designed to integrate its Gemini AI into wearable devices such as smart glasses and headsets. The tech giant showcased the Android XR glasses during its 2025 I/O developer conference, marking the company’s first eyewear set since the Google Glass smart glasses in 2023. Shahram Izadi, Vice President and General Manager at Android XR, emphasized the need for portable devices that provide quick access to information without relying on a phone. The glasses are lightweight and designed for all-day wear, allowing users to stay hands-free and engaged with their surroundings while completing tasks.

Google first announced Android XR in December 2024, following Meta's release of its Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses eight months prior. This highlights the growing competition in the wearable AI space. The Android XR glasses feature a camera, microphones, and speakers, and can connect to an Android device. Gemini AI provides real-time information, language translation, and an optional in-lens display that shows information when needed. During the presentation, Google demonstrated the glasses' live streaming capabilities, photo-taking, text messaging, and Google Maps display. Gemini AI can also enhance exploration and navigation through immersive experiences, allowing users to "teleport" to different locations and interact with their AI assistant about their surroundings.

Google has partnered with South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster and U.S. brand Warby Parker to release the glasses. A developer platform for Android XR is also in development, with prototypes already being tested by trusted users. The company aims to create a software and reference hardware platform to enable the ecosystem to build great glasses alongside them. While Google did not announce a release date or price, the glasses are expected to be available later this year, with a developer platform for Android XR in development.

Google's Android XR smart glasses represent a significant advancement in wearable technology, offering users a more intuitive and interactive experience. The integration of Gemini AI enables the glasses to provide real-time information, answer questions about the surroundings, offer directions, and even translate conversations in real time. This hands-free functionality is particularly useful for navigation, as users can receive turn-by-turn directions without needing to look at their phones. The glasses' ability to "see and hear" the environment makes them a valuable tool for navigation, communication, and real-time information access. The partnership with renowned eyewear brands ensures that the smart glasses are not only functional but also stylish, blending fashion with technology. The design focus is on making the glasses an everyday accessory, rather than a bulky gadget. The Android XR smart glasses prototype, showcased at the Google I/O conference, is expected to be released by Samsung in 2026. This delay is slightly later than initially anticipated, but the integration of Gemini AI into the smart glasses represents a significant step forward in wearable technology.