Google Teams Up with Leading Eyewear Brands for New Android XR Smartglasses

Okay, so Google’s doing its magic again, diving into this whole smartglasses thing with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster on board. It’s kinda like that time Meta teamed up with EssilorLuxottica—you know, the folks behind those trendy Ray-Bans. Anyway, rambling a bit, but it seems Google is all set to bring Android XR smartglasses into the mix. No actual products yet, but hey, partnerships are happening. Apparently, they’ll use Google’s Gemini AI, which sounds spacey and cool.

So, Warby Parker—ever heard of them? They’re those snazzy American eyewear guys who’ve been around since 2010. Super direct-to-consumer style. Then there’s Gentle Monster from South Korea. Started in 2011, they kinda vibe the same way. But honestly, neither of them is as massive as EssilorLuxottica. I mean, those guys are like eyewear royalty or something.

Remember when Meta and EssilorLuxottica launched those Ray-Ban smartglasses? Yeah, those. Seems to have worked out well for them. Anyway—wait, where was I? Oh, right. Google’s trying to mimic that success with Warby and Monster. Strong brands, solid credibility… you get the picture.

Now, flashback to 2012. Google Glass appeared. It seemed futuristic but let’s be real, it was weirdly clunky and asymmetrical. Like, who thought that would pass as normal glasses in a cafe? No offense, Google. But they went back and rethought everything for a good while.

The deets are scarce on when these new Android XR glasses will drop or what they’ll cost. Google did mention developers would start working with them later this year. Exciting times ahead!