Google debuts AI-powered Android XR good glasses at Google I/O

Google is attempting out good glasses once more.

At its Google I/O keynote tackle on Tuesday, Google confirmed off a product that was referred to easily as “Android XR glasses” in each the presentation and the accompanying weblog put up. No value or launch date was given, so between all of that and the truth that the product does not appear to have an actual identify but, this may very well be fairly a methods off from being on retailer cabinets.

When you suppose these glasses are only a ripoff of Meta’s Ray-Ban good glasses, suppose once more. Whereas Meta’s specs are actually only a digicam you put on in your face with zero augmented actuality options of any sort, Google’s glasses have a full AR UI constructed into the lenses, which you should use to seek for details about belongings you’re or navigate with Google Maps when you’re out and about. Google additionally talked about that you should use these glasses to message your pals and make appointments. Nevertheless, it is price noting that Google described the in-lens UI as “optional” within the weblog put up. In fact, it is all powered by Google’s Gemini AI tech.

A preview of a VR headset on the Android XR platform.
Credit score: Google

The glasses even have cameras, microphones, and audio system built-in. The one and solely stay demo Google tried throughout the I/O keynote was for a conversational language translation software that may theoretically allow two folks talking completely different languages to talk to one another in-person. Nevertheless, “theoretically” is doing a number of work there, because the demo failed after a few sentences, main Google to hit the ejector seat earlier than it may actually get going.

Throughout this phase, Google additionally introduced that Samsung’s Undertaking Moohan XR headset would be the first client gadget to run on the Android XR working system. Moohan will launch later this yr, however apart from that, Google did not say rather a lot about it. On prime of that, Google introduced that the XR glasses shall be manufactured in collaboration with glasses manufacturers like Warby Parker and Light Monster, so there may doubtlessly be a little bit bit extra selection to the way in which they give the impression of being than Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses.

A few of the product sorts coming to the Android XR platform.
Credit score: Google

The stay translation demo from Google I/O 2025.
Credit score: Screenshot: Google

Readers with purposeful recollections may bear in mind Google Glass, an identical product Google launched to just about common derision in 2015. Glass in a short time transitioned from a consumer-focused product to an enterprise gadget inside a few years of launch, earlier than Google stopped promoting it altogether in 2023. It did not work then, however possibly infusing the Android XR glasses with Gemini AI options will give them a leg up over Glass.

It also needs to be famous that considered one of Google’s greatest opponents is reportedly concerned about growing good glasses, however at present’s information would put that firm means behind the ball. Apple has been rumored to be growing AR glasses for some time now, however a report earlier this yr indicated the challenge was useless. A distinct report simply final month urged Apple is nonetheless engaged on good glasses, however they’d be extra akin to the Meta gadget than Google’s new glasses. That may give Google a severe benefit available in the market, to say the least.