Google's back with smart glasses: Will AI finally make them work?
TOI GLOBAL DESK | Dec 10, 2025, 19:11 IST
Google
Image credit : Agencies
Google is gearing up for a new era of smart glasses, powered by advanced AI. These new spectacles, expected in 2026, promise a sleeker design and enhanced functionality, connecting with Google's Gemini chatbot. Users can anticipate voice-activated assistance for queries and navigation. This move signals Google's renewed focus on wearable technology amidst growing market competition.
Google is getting ready to try smart glasses again. This time the company says the tech will be powered by artificial intelligence. The new glasses are expected to launch in 2026, years after Google’s first attempt with Google Glass failed.
Back in 2013, Google introduced Google Glass, a wearable device with a small screen and camera built into the frame. At the time, it was seen as a futuristic device but it raised privacy concerns and was criticized for its bulky design. Google stopped selling it to regular consumers in 2015 and later shut down its enterprise version in 2023.
Now, Google says it is working on a new version that looks more like normal glasses and is easier to use. According to reports from the BBC, the new smart glasses will connect with Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini. Users will be able to ask questions, get directions and receive real-time help through voice commands.
Technology reporter Liv McMahon of BBC News reported that Google plans to release two versions of the glasses. One version will not have a screen and will work silently in the background, while the other will include a built-in display. Google has not yet shared exact design details or pricing.
Technology analyst Paolo Pescatore told BBC News that Google must avoid the mistakes it made with Google Glass. He said the earlier product was “ahead of its time” and that the new push makes more sense now because of advances in AI.
Google’s return to smart glasses comes as competition grows in the market. Meta has already released its own AI-powered glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban and Oakley. Market research firm Counterpoint Research reported that global sales of AI glasses increased by more than 250% in the first half of 2025, driven mainly by Meta’s success.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin, who first showed Google Glass to the world in 2012, has long supported wearable tech. Photos of Brin wearing the original device were shared widely at the time and helped spark early interest in smart eyewear.
While excitement around AI glasses is growing, privacy concerns still remain. Critics worry that built in cameras and microphones could be misused. Google has not yet explained how it plans to protect user privacy with the new device.
No official launch date has been announced yet. Google has confirmed that the first version is planned for 2026. More details are expected to be shared in the coming months.
Back in 2013, Google introduced Google Glass, a wearable device with a small screen and camera built into the frame. At the time, it was seen as a futuristic device but it raised privacy concerns and was criticized for its bulky design. Google stopped selling it to regular consumers in 2015 and later shut down its enterprise version in 2023.
Now, Google says it is working on a new version that looks more like normal glasses and is easier to use. According to reports from the BBC, the new smart glasses will connect with Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini. Users will be able to ask questions, get directions and receive real-time help through voice commands.
Technology reporter Liv McMahon of BBC News reported that Google plans to release two versions of the glasses. One version will not have a screen and will work silently in the background, while the other will include a built-in display. Google has not yet shared exact design details or pricing.
Technology analyst Paolo Pescatore told BBC News that Google must avoid the mistakes it made with Google Glass. He said the earlier product was “ahead of its time” and that the new push makes more sense now because of advances in AI.
Google’s return to smart glasses comes as competition grows in the market. Meta has already released its own AI-powered glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban and Oakley. Market research firm Counterpoint Research reported that global sales of AI glasses increased by more than 250% in the first half of 2025, driven mainly by Meta’s success.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin, who first showed Google Glass to the world in 2012, has long supported wearable tech. Photos of Brin wearing the original device were shared widely at the time and helped spark early interest in smart eyewear.
While excitement around AI glasses is growing, privacy concerns still remain. Critics worry that built in cameras and microphones could be misused. Google has not yet explained how it plans to protect user privacy with the new device.
No official launch date has been announced yet. Google has confirmed that the first version is planned for 2026. More details are expected to be shared in the coming months.