Android XR is getting stylish partners in Warby Parker and Gentle Monster
1 min read
Summary
At its I/O conference, Google announced new partnerships with Samsung, Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to design fashionable versions of its smart glasses for the mainstream market as part of its Android XR venture.
The partnerships indicate Google’s realisation that consumers are more likely to adopt wearable tech if it looks like regular eyewear, and is hopefully more attractive than its first attempt at launching Google Glass in 2013, which failed due to its unfashionable design.
The new glasses will incorporate features such as cameras, microphones and speakers allowing hands-free access to Google’s AI assistant for tasks like photography, getting directions and live language translation.
This puts Google directly in competition with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have proved popular since their launch in 2023, selling 2 million pairs, and with rumours of Oakley-branded sports versions in the works.