Google I/O 2025. Photo: Google.
We’ve finally got some exciting news about Google’s Android XR project after its initial announcement of Android XR and Samsung’s Project Moohan. A glimpse into the company’s plans for smart glasses presented at Google I/O 2025 might give Meta’s Orion a run for its money.
Live translation. Photo: Google.
Google started on a strong foot by sharing more about Android XR smart glasses and a prototype demo. Like Project Moohan, Google's partnered brands will provide the hardware solution while Google is in charge of the software (Android XR, in this case).
Android XR smart glasses prototype. Photo: Google.
Google has stated that it will expand its collaboration with Samsung beyond Project Moohan, which implies that Samsung could see a retail-ready pair of smart glasses shortly.
For now, the first upcoming pair of smart glasses running on Android XR will be made by Xreal and is currently codenamed Project Aura.
Live navigation. Photo: Google.
The prototype displayed during I/O 2025 was equipped with cameras, speakers, microphones, and an in-lens display that can provide information like real-time navigation overlayed onto the real world, live language translations, and more. Everything’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR processor, which is specially designed for this sort of hardware.
These glasses (or the eventual consumer version) could compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses as well, as they can take photos and possibly videos, as shown during the presentation.
Android XR eyewear partners. Photo: Google.
While it’s important to remember that this is still just a prototype, it seems like Google is going full steam ahead with Android XR. Developers will be able to start building apps for the platform later in 2025, and Google has sealed partnerships with big eyewear brands like Gentle Monster and Warby Parker so consumers can look stylish while reaping all the tech benefits.
Per Gentle Monster's announcement, the South Korean luxury eyewear brand aims to make AI-powered eyewear an "essential, lifestyle fashion" item that combines aesthetics and technology.
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