Google announced Monday that it is developing two categories of AI-powered smart glasses to compete with Meta’s beginning next year. One such group will contain displays, while the other will offer audio.
Most of Google’s new glasses will connect wirelessly to a phone (though at least one device will be wired). This will allow the phone to process requests while keeping the glasses slim and light. During a demo in New York, Google showed off two prototypes: one monocular with a single screen in the right lens, and the other binocular with a display for each eye. Both types support augmented-reality overlays for apps like Google Maps, though the binocular design gives a bigger virtual display. Google says it wants to give users the freedom to choose the right balance of weight and style.
Credit: Google
Both wearables will run on Android XR OS. With the display version, users can view real-time translations as someone nearby speaks, or a top-down map and compass in Google Maps.
Google also outlined several software improvements for Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset. A new travel mode lets users wear the mixed-reality device in cars and on planes, and a PC Connect app lets any Windows PC mirror the headset’s display.