Google Set To Relaunch Smart Glasses More Than A Decade After Google Glass Failure
Google is preparing to return to the smart glasses market more than 10 years after the commercial failure of Google Glass.
The tech giant announced during its annual developer conference on Tuesday that the new AI-powered glasses will be released later this year and will feature built-in cameras and speakers designed to work with its Gemini artificial intelligence system.
According to Google, the smart glasses will allow users to interact with Gemini hands-free through voice commands and audio responses delivered privately through speakers embedded in the arms of the glasses.
The company showcased two frame styles created in partnership with Warby Parker
and Gentle Monster
.
Google’s previous attempt at smart eyewear, Google Glass, launched in 2013 but faced criticism over its high price and privacy concerns before it was discontinued in 2015 shortly after entering international markets.
Speaking at the event in Mountain View, California, Google executive Shahram Izadi said the new glasses are designed to help users remain “hands free and heads up” while accessing AI-powered assistance throughout the day.
The glasses will reportedly support both Android and Apple iOS devices.
Google also revealed it is developing a more advanced version featuring an in-lens display capable of showing text and visual information directly inside the wearer’s field of vision. However, that version is not expected to launch immediately.
The company said developers are already building applications for the display-enabled glasses ahead of a future release.
Google’s renewed push into smart eyewear comes as competition in the sector continues to grow. Meta has already recorded strong sales with its AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses, while Snap and Apple are also reportedly developing similar products.
Despite the growing interest, privacy concerns surrounding wearable cameras remain a major issue. Critics have warned that smart glasses could allow people to record others in public or private spaces without their knowledge.
Industry analysts, however, believe the technology could become the next major consumer device category after smartphones, especially as companies integrate AI tools, navigation services and voice assistants directly into wearable devices.
