Warby Parker and Google have announced their collaboration to release smart glasses with artificial intelligence support. The first model is expected to be unveiled in 2026, positioning the product as a competitor to devices from Apple and Meta*. The partnership project was officially announced at The Android Show | XR Edition, where specific details were shared, confirming that a serial device is in the works. The collaboration was initially disclosed earlier in the year, but until now, details were scarce, with no mention of a potential release date.
The demand for wearable electronics is on the rise, with Meta* fast-tracking updates for its Quest mixed reality headsets and venturing into camera-equipped glasses with Ray-Ban. Apple has also entered the spatial computing market with its Vision Pro headset, targeting the high-end segment. Any new form factor introduced is immediately compared to existing solutions from competitors, highlighting the intense competition in the industry.
For Google, re-entering the glasses market marks a significant milestone. Nearly a decade ago, the company discontinued its consumer version of Google Glass, retreating from the market for an extended period. The renewed focus is on integrating artificial intelligence seamlessly into the glasses, aiming for a device that not only serves as a gadget but also assists with daily tasks through voice and image recognition. The appearance of the glasses is being handled by partners such as Samsung and Gentle Monster, renowned for their luxurious eyewear. Warby Parker emphasizes that the upcoming model will be lightweight, AI-enabled, and designed to be worn all day. However, details regarding pricing, battery life, and sales strategy are yet to be revealed.
Google has outlined the structure of the smart glasses platform on their blog, highlighting two main directions. The first direction involves glasses without a screen, functioning as a personal voice assistant with integrated speakers, microphones, and cameras. The device interacts with the surrounding environment and responds to user commands. The second direction, Display AI, incorporates a mini-display within the glass, providing real-time information like navigation instructions or translations discreetly to the user while remaining inconspicuous to onlookers.