Warby Parker today announced a collaboration with Alphabet's Google to develop its first lightweight AI smart glasses, expected to launch in 2026. These AI glasses are designed as a screenless assistive tool, with built-in speakers, microphones, and cameras, allowing users to interact naturally with Gemini, take photos, and receive assistance.
Google has recently redoubled its efforts in augmented reality (AR) and wearable technology, while Meta and Apple have already taken the lead. Meta has invested resources in the Quest mixed reality (MR) headset and Ray-Ban smart glasses, while Apple launched the Vision Pro headset earlier this year, positioning it as a high-end spatial computing device.
Google has paused its consumer-centric Glass product for nearly a decade and is now betting on AI integration and strategic partnerships. Therefore, the collaboration with Warby Parker will leverage Google's Android XR platform and Gemini AI model to bring multimodal intelligence to everyday glasses, with the goal of making them suitable for all-day wear.
Google is collaborating with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker to create two lightweight AI glasses. One is designed as a screenless assistive tool with built-in speakers, microphones, and cameras, allowing users to interact naturally with Gemini and take photos. The other is designed as a display-type AI glasses, equipped with a display that can privately provide information such as navigation or translated captions.
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