Alphabet announced on December 8, 2025 that it will launch its first AI‑powered smart glasses in 2026. The company will offer two models: a screen‑free version that relies on built‑in speakers, microphones, and cameras for voice interaction and photo analysis, and a second model that incorporates an in‑lens display for navigation, translations, and other overlays that connect to a smartphone. Partnerships with Warby Parker, Samsung, and Gentle Monster will provide lightweight, prescription‑compatible frames that appeal to everyday wearers.
The glasses will run on Alphabet’s Android XR platform and integrate the Gemini AI model, giving users hands‑free assistance and real‑time contextual information about their surroundings. The integration of Gemini is a key differentiator, positioning the glasses as a more intelligent alternative to Meta’s Ray‑Ban smart glasses and Apple’s Vision Pro, which rely on less advanced AI and more limited sensor suites.
Alphabet’s return to the wearable market follows lessons learned from its 2013 Google Glass project, which struggled with design, battery life, and privacy concerns. By partnering with established eyewear brands and focusing on AI‑driven functionality, Alphabet aims to avoid those pitfalls and capture a share of the growing augmented‑reality market, which is projected to expand as consumer demand for hands‑free, context‑aware devices rises.
The announcement comes on the heels of Alphabet’s Q3 2025 earnings, in which the company reported revenue of $102.3 billion, up 16% year‑over‑year, and an EPS of $2.87, a 35% increase. The strong performance reflects robust demand for Google Cloud and AI‑powered services, giving Alphabet the financial flexibility to invest in new hardware initiatives such as the smart glasses.
Management emphasized the strategic importance of the launch. Co‑founder Sergey Brin noted that “in the AI world, the capabilities of these glasses to help users without constant distraction are far greater than in the past,” while CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted Alphabet’s broader AI momentum, stating that the company’s “first‑ever $100 billion quarter” demonstrates the scale at which AI is driving growth.
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