Google Launches New Smart Glasses in Competition with Meta

Google has revealed the design of its latest smart glasses, marking a return to a market it struggled to break into more than a decade ago.

The new wearable device, expected to launch later this year, positions Google in direct competition with Meta, which currently dominates the segment with its popular Ray-Ban smart glasses that have sold millions of units worldwide.

Described as “audio glasses,” the device will feature a built-in microphone, camera, and compact speakers. Users will be able to make calls, listen to music, capture photos, and interact with Google’s Gemini AI assistant through the glasses.

The announcement was made during Google’s annual I/O developer conference held near its headquarters in Mountain View, California. The company showcased two design collaborations—one with US eyewear brand Warby Parker and another with South Korean label Gentle Monster.

Samsung has played a key role in developing the technology behind the glasses, which are expected to work seamlessly with both Android and Apple smartphones.

This launch represents a significant comeback attempt for Google in the smart glasses space, following the widely publicised failure of Google Glass in 2013. That earlier product faced backlash over privacy concerns, particularly due to its built-in camera, and was eventually discontinued.

Learning from past setbacks, Google appears to be placing greater emphasis on style and everyday usability to appeal to consumers this time around.

However, the inclusion of cameras in wearable devices continues to raise privacy concerns—an issue that has also followed similar products from Meta.

In addition to the current model, Google is also developing a more advanced version featuring an integrated display. This next-generation prototype, similar to Meta’s latest offerings, has progressed further in testing, although detailed specifications have yet to be revealed.