With the Google I/O 2026 event, the Mountain View company has unveiled the latest news for the Android ecosystem, but there were also surprises regarding the hardware side. Big G has shown the first AI glasses equipped with Gemini, born from the collaboration with Samsung and powered by the Android XR platform — developed by the two tech giants together with Qualcomm. These are two pairs of audio glasses (therefore, for now no mixed reality) that will arrive by the end of autumn.
Google and Samsung announced the new smart glasses, in collaboration with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker
If you are worried about the future of the category, you can rest assured: Google has confirmed that there will be two types of smart glasses, namely the audio ones (focused on voice assistance directly in the ear) and the ones with display (which will show the necessary information).
Both will use Android XR and Gemini while the audio solutions will be the first to debut, by the end of the year. The models with displays will arrive later; we expect them in 2027.
The two AI audio glasses shown during Google I/O 2026 are made by Gentle Monster and Warby Parker: the American tech giant emphasizes that the devices are designed both to provide constant assistance and to be elegant and comfortable. Hence the collaboration with iconic brands like the ones just mentioned.
The operation is very simple: just tap the side of the frame or say “Hey Google” to access Gemini. The AI assistant allows you to obtain information about what the user sees (thanks to the integrated camera), to receive real-time directions, to manage the calls and send messages. Also, Gemini can summarize the content of missed messages, eliminating the need to pull out the phone.
Among other features there is also the ability to take photos and shoot videos instantly and obtain real-time translations (both for dialogues and written texts, such as signs, storefronts and menus). The glasses pair with both Android and iOS devices and can interact with apps.
At the moment Google and Samsung have not revealed anything else: the technical specifications and price details are still missing. Nonetheless, Mountain View’s company has promised further details in the coming months.
