Google Shows Android XR Smart Glasses With Warby Parker and Gentle Monster

Google presented its Android XR smart glasses at the I/O conference, showing designs from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. The glasses are co-developed by Google and Samsung, with the eyewear brands responsible for the frames. The first models will be audio-only versions that launch later this year. More advanced versions with displays built into the lenses are scheduled to follow shortly after.

Wired tested early reference versions of the glasses from Samsung and Google. The reviewer noted that the devices felt light, though the arms remained somewhat bulky. Audio performance stood out during the demo. When the reviewer asked Gemini to play music, the sound surrounded the head and remained largely inaudible to others nearby.

All versions include cameras. These allow Gemini to see what the wearer sees and deliver contextual responses.

Display-equipped models will support turn-by-turn navigation and real-time translation. Text overlays can appear alongside spoken translations. The glasses rely on a connected phone for GPS but use Google's Visual Positioning System to keep the user's location accurate.

Tapping and holding the right arm activates Gemini Live. In one test, the assistant identified a board game and saved instructions to a Google Keep note.

Xreal introduced Project Aura, a glasses-style device that runs a full Android XR interface. It supports hand gestures and can dim its lenses to block the outside world. The system includes an OLED screen with a 70-degree field of view. A tethered battery pack currently provides roughly four hours of use.

Users can access hundreds of Android apps and move windows around the view. Xreal demonstrated games and creative tools that take advantage of the spatial interface. Google said further details on pricing and exact release dates will be shared in the coming months.