2 min read
At the TED 2025 conference in Vancouver, Google unveiled an exciting glimpse into its future of augmented reality with a prototype of Android XR smart glasses. Shahram Izadi, Google’s head of Android XR, wore the sleek glasses on stage, showing off their potential for live translations, real-time data handling, and even navigating Google Maps through projections in your field of view.
Unlike bulky VR headsets, these smart glasses are lightweight and designed for comfort, with a focus on integrating seamlessly with your smartphone. Powered by Google’s Gemini AI, the glasses utilize a small built-in camera and in-lens display to interact with the world around you. During the demo, Izadi showcased the glasses translating Farsi into English, scanning a book, and even displaying his speech notes live while speaking.
The glasses, which rely on your phone for heavy computational tasks, are expected to make XR technology more accessible and comfortable than traditional headsets. Google’s Android XR also supports a variety of Google apps, including YouTube Music, Google Maps, and other services, allowing for an interactive experience on the go.
While details on the final product remain unclear, it’s evident that Google is building a strong foundation for the future of augmented reality with these innovative glasses.
Additionally, Google’s collaboration with Samsung on Project Moohan, which will include both smart glasses and XR goggles, hints at a potential dual launch later this year. The Samsung glasses, expected to be priced around $2,500, may include more advanced features, such as camera-based passthrough video and multiple virtual monitors.
