Google has made a significant leap into wearable AI technology with the unveiling of its Android XR glasses at the I/O 2025 developer conference in Mountain View, California.
The new glasses, informally dubbed "Clark Kent" glasses during demonstrations, represent Google's most ambitious foray into smart eyewear since the discontinued Google Glass. Unlike their predecessor, these glasses are designed with both functionality and style in mind, featuring cameras, microphones, speakers, and an optional in-lens display that privately shows information to the wearer.
Powered by Google's Gemini AI, the glasses demonstrated impressive capabilities during the presentation. A Google employee showcased how the glasses could recall information from earlier observations, such as remembering a coffee cup logo and scheduling a meeting at that location. The glasses also displayed real-time navigation directions, took photos on command, and performed live language translation between multiple languages including English, Farsi, and Hindi.
To ensure the glasses are fashionable enough for everyday wear, Google announced partnerships with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. The company is committing up to $150 million to its Warby Parker collaboration, with $75 million already allocated for product development and the remainder as a potential equity investment.
Google is also expanding its existing partnership with Samsung to extend Android XR from headsets to glasses. Together, they're creating a software and reference hardware platform that will enable developers to build applications for the ecosystem starting later this year. Samsung's related XR headset, Project Moohan, is still scheduled to launch before the end of 2025.
While Google hasn't announced specific pricing or release dates for the Android XR glasses, the company confirmed they're currently being tested with trusted users. Industry analysts expect the glasses to be positioned as direct competitors to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, though likely at a higher price point due to their advanced display capabilities.