Google unveiled Android XR, a new extended reality platform designed to integrate its Gemini AI into wearable devices such as smart glasses and headsets.
During its 2025 I/O developer conference on Tuesday, the tech giant showcased the Android XR glasses, the company’s first eyewear set since the ill-fated Google Glass smart glasses in 2023.
“We built Android XR together as one team with Samsung and optimized it for Snapdragon with Qualcomm.” Google first announced Android XR in December 2024.
The reveal arrived eight months after Meta released the latest version of its Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses—a sign of growing competition in the wearable AI space.
Like Meta’s AI glasses, the Android XR glasses include a camera, microphones, and speakers and can connect to an Android device.
A new extended reality platform called Android XR was introduced by Google with the goal of incorporating its Gemini AI into wearable technology like smart glasses and headsets.
The tech giant unveiled the Android XR glasses, the company’s first eyewear line since the doomed Google Glass smart glasses in 2023, on Tuesday at its 2025 I/O developer conference.
Vice President and General Manager at Android XR Shahram Izadi emphasized the importance of portability and instant access to information without a phone during the presentation.
According to him, “you’ll want lightweight glasses that can give you timely information without reaching for your phone when you’re on the go.”. As a single team, we worked with Samsung to develop Android XR, and Qualcomm optimized it for the Snapdragon. “.”.
Android XR was first revealed by Google in December 2024. The announcement came eight months after Meta unveiled the most recent iteration of its Ray-Ban Meta AI eyewear, indicating heightened competition in the wearable AI market.
The Android XR glasses have a camera, microphones, and speakers, and they can be connected to an Android device, just like Meta’s AI glasses.
Gemini, Google’s flagship AI, offers language translation, real-time information, and an optional in-lens display that displays information when required.
During the presentation, Google also demonstrated the Android XR glasses’ live streaming capabilities, photo and text-taking capabilities, and Google Maps display.
Google also showed how Gemini can enhance navigation and exploration by creating immersive experiences.
Izadi stated, “You can teleport anywhere in the world by asking Gemini to take you there using Google Maps in XR.”. You can discuss anything you see with your AI assistant, and it can retrieve websites and videos related to your current exploration. “”.
Although Google did not specify a release date or cost, Izadi stated that the glasses would be offered through collaborations with Gentle Monster and U, two South Korean eyewear companies. S. . brand Warby Parker, mentioning that an Android XR developer platform is being developed.
Parker stated, “We’re developing the reference hardware platform and software to allow the ecosystem to collaborate with us in creating fantastic glasses.”. “Reliable testers are already using our glasses prototypes, and later this year you will be able to begin working on glasses. “”.
