Google I/O: Google Shows First Audio-Only Glasses Coming Later this Fall

The introductory keynote from Google’s I/O developer conference yesterday was packed with Gemini news. Still, there were also some updates on Android XR, the augmented reality platform that Google is developing in partnership with Samsung. After showing its “Project Aura” prototype with a built-in display in December, Google revealed yesterday two designs of audio-only glasses developed with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.

These upcoming audio-only glasses will work similarly to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and they will pair with both Android phones and iPhones. They will also include a built-in camera for taking photos and recording videos, and allowing Google’s Gemini assistant to analyze its surroundings.

These first audio glasses will allow iPhone and Android users to take phone calls, listen to music, and ask Gemini to send and summarize text messages. To summon Gemini, users will need to say “Hey Google” or tap the side of the frame. In addition to analyzing what people see, Gemini will be able to provide turn-by-turn directions, translate speech and writing, and control apps like Uber and DoorDash and perform multi-step tasks in the background on users’ behalf.

Gentle Monster and Warby Parker plan to launch a full collection of audio-only glasses powered by Android XR later this year. Meta Ray-Ban glasses are priced around $300, so Google and its partners will need to match that to be competitive. The company also continues to work on display glasses, which will be coming out later.