Google revealed its latest push into wearable technology at its Google I/O event, announcing a new line of AI-powered smart glasses created in partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. The project is also being developed with Samsung to ensure smooth compatibility across Android and iOS devices. The company said the glasses will be released later this year.
Unlike earlier experiments with wearable tech, Google is positioning this new product as “audio glasses.” Instead of focusing on screens or augmented visuals, the glasses are designed around voice interaction. Users will be able to speak directly to the device and carry out everyday tasks using Google’s AI systems, including Gemini.
The glasses are built to connect with a user’s smartphone and function as an extension of their digital life. Once paired, they can handle requests such as searching the web, sending messages, setting reminders, or interacting with apps without needing to touch a phone. Google says the goal is to make digital actions feel more natural and hands-free.
During a live demonstration, a Google engineer showed how the glasses could complete real-world tasks through voice alone. In one example, a user ordered a coffee simply by speaking to the device, which then processed the request through connected services. The demo highlighted how deeply integrated the glasses are intended to be within Google’s ecosystem.
The company has attempted smart glasses before, most notably with Google Glass, which failed to gain mainstream acceptance and became widely criticized over privacy concerns and design issues. However, the current tech landscape is very different, with growing interest in wearable AI and strong competition from companies like Meta and other startups working on similar products.
Google believes this new generation of smart glasses will succeed where earlier attempts fell short by focusing less on visual overlays and more on practical voice-based assistance. The emphasis is on convenience, allowing users to perform tasks quickly without interrupting what they are doing.
With AI becoming more central to everyday devices, Google’s new glasses represent a broader shift toward wearable assistants that blend into daily routines. The company is betting that combining fashion-forward design with powerful AI tools will help turn smart glasses into a mainstream consumer product.
