Google is making a fresh foray into smart eyewear by announcing a new collaboration to develop AI-powered glasses, more than ten years after the lukewarm reception to its original Google Glass project. The revelation took place at Google’s annual developer conference, Google I/O 2026, where executives introduced a new line of “audio glasses” aimed at seamlessly incorporating AI services into everyday wearable technology.
The tech giant disclosed that it is partnering with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to manufacture these innovative devices, in conjunction with collaborating with Samsung on the core technology. These smart glasses are anticipated to be compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, with a planned release later this year.
In contrast to previous iterations of smart glasses that heavily depended on visual interfaces, Google’s latest models are centered on audio interaction. Users will have the ability to give voice commands to the glasses, which are interconnected with Google’s broader array of applications and services, including Gemini.
At the event, a Google employee showcased the glasses by placing a coffee order using only voice commands, showcasing Google’s emphasis on hands-free functionality.
Google’s initial venture into smart eyewear, Google Glass, encountered privacy issues, design constraints, and societal acceptance challenges when it debuted in the early 2010s. The product became synonymous with discussions about surveillance and technology norms. Since then, the smart glasses market has progressed significantly, with advancements in AI, compact hardware, and battery technology rekindling interest in wearable tech.
Google’s renewed initiative comes as rivals amplify their investments in smart eyewear. Meta has expanded its collaboration with Ray-Ban on AI-enhanced glasses, while various startups and established tech companies are exploring similar products.
