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Google revives smart glasses project with AI integration
Google announced plans to reintroduce smart glasses in 2026, this time powered by artificial intelligence, following the failure of its 2013 Google Glass experiment. The new devices will integrate with Google's Gemini chatbot and come in two variants: one without a display and another with an embedded screen.
Past failures and lessons learned
Google Glass, launched in 2013, was withdrawn from the consumer market in 2015 after facing criticism over privacy concerns, awkward design, and limited practical use. The device featured a bulky right-side screen and a built-in camera, which raised privacy issues and sparked debates about its functionality.
Technology analyst Paolo Pescatore told the BBC that Google must avoid repeating past mistakes. "The original move was ahead of its time but poorly executed," he said. "This is a better moment, thanks to advancements like Gemini."
Competition and market growth
Meta has already established a foothold in the smart glasses market, selling two million pairs of its AI-powered Ray-Ban and Oakley collaborations as of February. Market research firm Counterpoint Research reported a 250% year-over-year surge in AI glasses sales in the first half of 2025, driven by Meta's success and smaller competitors.
Google's new glasses will compete directly with Meta's offerings, which have benefited from partnerships with luxury eyewear brands and sleeker designs.
Design and functionality updates
The original Google Glass featured a thin wireframe with a chunky right arm housing a camera and display. Users could take photos, record videos, and interact with a digital overlay, but the design was widely criticized as impractical and intrusive.
Google's 2026 models aim to address these issues with a cleaner look and improved usability. One version will operate without a screen, while the other will include a built-in display. Specific design details remain undisclosed.
Privacy and usability challenges persist
Despite advancements, concerns about privacy and user experience remain. Former BBC Technology Correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones noted that wearable tech must be "attractive to wear and so easy to use that you forget it's there."
Tech companies have since partnered with designer eyewear brands to make smart glasses more appealing, but questions about data security and practicality continue to linger.
What's next for Google's smart glasses?
Google has not provided further details about the 2026 launch, including pricing or specific features. The company will need to differentiate its product from Meta's established offerings while addressing lingering skepticism from consumers and analysts.
