Google unveils new connected glasses featuring AI assistant Gemini

Wednesday 20 May 2026 - 09:00

Google has introduced its latest smart glasses, marking a renewed attempt to enter the wearable technology market after the failure of Google Glass more than a decade ago. The new device, revealed during the company’s annual Google I/O event in California, is expected to launch in the fall.

The glasses are equipped with a microphone, camera, and discreet speakers, allowing users to make calls, listen to music, take photos, and interact with the AI assistant Gemini. Unlike earlier models, Google is emphasizing design and practicality in an effort to appeal to a broader consumer base.

Two different collections were presented at the event, developed in collaboration with eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, while the technical development is supported by Samsung. The glasses will be compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones.

The project represents Google’s return to a market it helped pioneer in 2013 with Google Glass, which was ultimately discontinued due to privacy concerns and limited public acceptance. Today, competition in the smart glasses sector is stronger, particularly with Meta already achieving significant sales success with its Ray-Ban smart glasses.

Google also demonstrated live features during the event, showing how users could ask Gemini to take photos or edit images instantly without using a smartphone. The company highlighted the potential of hands-free artificial intelligence integration in everyday life.

While the new glasses do not yet include a built-in display, Google confirmed that it is also developing more advanced versions with integrated screens, currently in testing phases with developers.

Privacy concerns remain a key issue, especially due to the presence of cameras, a challenge that previously affected earlier wearable technology projects.