Tech giant Google offers a sneak peek at its long-awaited smartglasses successor to Google Glass
Going Back in On Smartglasses: Google's Mysterious XR Prototype
Two years after the infamous Google Glass debacle, the tech giant is diving back into the smartglasses game, showing off a sleek, AI-powered prototype at the TED2025 conference in Vancouver.
During session 3 of the conference, Google VP and general manager of XR, Shahram Izadi, whipped out a pair of these enigmatic, mixed reality glasses during his talk, using them to read off his notes. From the snippet of action, the glasses boast an in-lens camera and speaker, as well as built-in Google Gemini connectivity for seamless translation and visual input.
The question on everyone's mind: Can Google dethrone the reigning king of smartglasses, Meta?
A Second Bite at the Smartglasses Apple
The mysterious prototype glasses could just be the start of Google's return to the increasingly competitive smartglasses market. Rumors swirl about Google negotiating to acquire a company that specializes in AR eye-tracking software, signaling a serious commitment to effort in the space.
While the demo doesn't quite compete with the cutting-edge capabilities of Meta's Orion smartglasses, both are prototypes, so much can change before either hits the market. Google's emphasis on affordability and streamlined design to make the tech accessible could give it the edge against Meta when it comes to enticing average consumers.
The Rise of Google's XR Operating System and the Competition
Google's Android XR operating system isn't limited to these prototype glasses. The system is designed to create a robust ecosystem for developers, fostering a wide range of apps and use cases, breaking away from the limiting "walled garden" approach of some competitors.
In January, popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee tested out an Android XR headset with Gemini integration, made by none other than Samsung. This partnership suggests that Google might be offloading the hardware production to partners, focusing on developing the operating system and AI features.
Other players in the smartglasses arena include VITURE with its Pro XR glasses and Meta with its Ray-Ban smart glasses. But it's Meta that leads the pack, wowing us last year with the impressive technology and controls found in its Orion smartglasses.
As we edge closer to the year 2025, the battle for smartglasses supremacy heats up. With Google revving back up, Meta will have to keep a close eye on its competition.
Potential Advantages
- Google: Offers a unified, open platform (Android XR) with strong AI integration, visual HUD for navigation and information, and a focus on comfort and mainstream fashion.
- Meta: Excels at audio interaction and lifestyle design, but currently lacks a full visual display (except in future Orion models). Meta’s ecosystem is robust but more closed.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, these smartglasses could be the next big thing. Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!
See also: *Best Laptop Deals April 2025***
- Meta is all-in for 2025: The year of smartglasses - and I've never been more excited
- Meta's Orion smartglasses: A glimpse of our mixed-reality future
- Why Apple's scrapped smartglasses are a dark omen for the Vision Pro
Sources:* [1] The Verge - Google's upcoming smart glasses could be a Cinderella story* [2] Wired - Google's Smart Glasses Prototype Should Leave Google Glass Behind* [3] Ars Technica - Mark Zuckerberg reveals Meta's first-look at its Orion smartglasses* [4] Engadget - Meta's Orion smartglasses are coming, and they're going to change everything* [5] TechCrunch - Google's XR smart glasses are coming, and it's clear they're meant to compete with Meta
- The mysterious prototype smartglasses, if successfully launched, could position Google as a formidable competitor in the smartglasses market.
- Google's Android XR operating system, designed for a wide range of apps and use cases, could attract developers, offering a unified and open platform with strong AI integration.
- Rumors suggest Google might partner with hardware manufacturers, allowing them to focus on developing the operating system and AI features, similar to the laptop deals we see in the market.
- The competition between Google and Meta in the smartglasses arena promises to shape the future of technology, as each company leverages its unique strengths, such as Meta's audio interaction and lifestyle design versus Google's focus on affordable, accessible, and mainstream fashion.
