Smart glasses are making a comeback, driven by advancements in hardware, software, and AI. While Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses have already carved out a spot in this space, Google has been steadily working on its own Android XR initiatives. From the Samsung-backed Project Moohan to its in-house XR glasses, there’s growing anticipation. Although Google has showcased Android XR glasses before, the demo presented at Google I/O 2025 stood out as particularly impressive.
Once again, Google took the stage at Google I/O to highlight the power of its Android XR platform and prototype smart glasses. The demo revisited elements from a TED Talk (video) presentation shared last month, while also revealing new features. This time, the focus was on showcasing how Gemini enhances the hardware experience, giving users a glimpse of what to expect from future XR-powered interactions.
Google’s Android XR-powered glasses are set to feature built-in microphones, a front-facing camera, open-ear speakers, and an “optional” in-lens display. The company also confirmed ongoing collaborations with Samsung and Qualcomm to develop both XR headsets and smart glasses.
Despite early rumors pointing to a partnership with Ray-Ban, Google has confirmed it will instead team up with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker for the styling and hardware design of its XR glasses.
The demos primarily showcased the in-lens display in action alongside Gemini integration. With support for core Google apps, users were shown sending messages, taking photos, navigating with Google Maps, and interacting with Gemini Live functionality similar to the recently launched Live AI on Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
Google also demonstrated a live translation feature, where the glasses assist two users speaking different languages by displaying translated text on the screen. Although the demo began smoothly, the translations eventually stopped working understandably so, as the feature is still very much a work in progress.
Android XR will support a wide range of devices, from Apple Vision Pro-style see-through headsets to optical see-through glasses, AR glasses, and AI glasses. While the release date for the first Android XR glasses remains unknown, stay tuned for updates. What do you think about Android XR glasses? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
