Google re-enters smart eyewear market with new “audio glasses”

Google has announced a renewed push into smart eyewear, unveiling a new partnership to develop artificial intelligence-powered glasses more than a decade after the mixed reception to its original Google Glass project.

The announcement was made during the company’s annual developer conference, Google I/O 2026, where executives presented a new category of “audio glasses” designed to integrate AI services into everyday wearable devices.

Google said it is collaborating with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to produce the devices, while also working with Samsung on the underlying technology. 

The glasses are expected to support both Android and iOS smartphones and are scheduled to launch later this year.

Unlike earlier generations of smart glasses that relied heavily on visual displays, Google’s latest devices are being positioned primarily around audio interaction. Users will be able to issue spoken commands to the glasses, which are connected to Google’s wider ecosystem of apps and services, including Gemini.

During a demonstration at the event, a company employee used the glasses to place a coffee order through voice commands alone, illustrating Google’s focus on hands-free interactions.

A return after Google Glass

Google’s earlier attempt at smart eyewear, Google Glass, launched in the early 2010s but faced criticism over privacy concerns, design limitations and social acceptance. The product became closely associated with debates about surveillance and technology culture.

Since then, the smart glasses market has evolved considerably, with advances in AI, miniaturised hardware and battery technology helping to revive interest in wearable devices.

Google’s renewed effort comes as competitors intensify their investment in smart eyewear. Meta has expanded its partnership with Ray-Ban on AI-enabled glasses, while startups and established technology firms continue to explore similar products.