Here are the 3 Google I/O 2026 Android XR smart glasses announcements I'm hoping to see

Date:
Mon, 18 May 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Description:
Google I/O could be a major Android XR showcase if we're lucky, but what
might we get treated to?

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Google I/O is less than a day away, and the annual software showcase would be the perfect opportunity for Google and its partners to showcase their 2026 Android XR tech: the XR
glasses weve been promised will land this year.

Google isnt a stranger to smart specs, but since the rapid rise and fall of Google Glass, weve seen the likes of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses take the smart specs world by storm, and now the old king wants his crown back. But with Google taking a software-centric approach letting others handle the hardware
it makes sense that this new generation of smart glasses would land at a software show like I/O. So from Xreal and Samsung , to Gucci and Gentle Monster, here are the three smart glasses announcements well hopefully see on May 19 and why you should get excited. Latest Videos From You may like 5 things to expect at Google I/O 2026 Gucci and Google to partner on Android XR smart glasses for 2027 release Here's what we know about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Glasses Google I/O 2026 predictions: smart glasses central with XREAL, Gentle Monster & More - YouTube Watch On Lets get Xreal I love Xreals specs, and have done for a while if you want a pair of XR glasses youll struggle to beat the Xreal One Pros . So Im especially excited to see the final version
of its Project Aura Android XR glasses, and theyre also the pair were most likely to find at Google I/O (because unlike Samsung, Xreal doesnt have a
high profile tech events of its own in the calendar).

The big difference between Xreals Aura glasses and some other AI smart
glasses weve been seeing is theyll be wired. This matches Xreals XR approach with previous models and offers some design advantages, but also some constraints.

With no internal battery the Project Aura glasses should feel lighter and
less bulky, but theyll need to run from a connected device (in Auras case thats a dedicated compute puck that doubles as a trackpad and a battery pack) plus theyll be best suited to stationary activities (working, and watching
TV) rather than using them on the move. (Image credit: Future / Hamish
Hector) This approach might not be as mobile as the Ray-Ban and Samsung AI or AR specs, but should be a lot more capable where it counts.The glasses virtually project a giant display in front of your face, like your own
private cinema, and boast the same superb optics as the Xreal One (so expect excellent OLED contrast and colors, a wide field of view, and fewer
disruptive reflections in the lenses compared with rivals on the market). Whether you want a virtual display for working across multiple windows at once, or an immersive portable cinema for your face the Xreal One pro are the glasses to get because of these optics. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Where Aura improves on the current design is it includes cameras by default for hand and object tracking. It's a bit more basic than the Samsung Galaxy
XR headset's system as Xreal lacks eye tracking, but it should make your Android XR experiences feel more interactive than Xreal's previous tech.

The issue is I expect these specs will be pricey. The Xreal One Pros launched at $649, with a camera Xreal Eye add-on costing $99. The puck is also reminiscent of the Beam Pro and is likely to add a couple hundred to the
price meaning we might be lucky if Xreal's Aura comes in under $1,000.
Samsung steals this show? (Image credit: Android Headlines) Even though I believe Samsung will focus on its own launch event perhaps tying its smart glasses release into its annual foldables event, which typically takes place in a few months theres a chance itll instead debut its glasses at I/O. Not just one pair at that, we might get to see two. What to read next Samsung's smart glasses leak reveals screenless design and Gemini integration A Samsung exec has teased more details about its forthcoming XR glasses Android Show 2026 as it happened all the big news on Android 17, Googlebook, and Gemini Intelligence

The first would be a more standard AI-focused design with a camera, speakers, and microphones, but no display, just like the basic (but impressive) Ray-Ban Meta specs.

Speaking of, the design recently leaked, and they do look strikingly similar to the Ray-Ban model. The only difference we know so far is they'll rely on Gemini instead of Meta AI, which is generally agreed to be a more capable assistant, and has better interoperability between the core Android apps for more personalized contextual responses.

Based on my experience with Ray-Ban smart glasses, AI assistance can be super handy, especially as a tourist. With a better understanding of my schedule through my calendar, or the context of the photos I've taken with my phone, I'm hoping the Gemini-powered specs might offer better day-to-day usefulness.

Best of all, Samsungs specs should be fairly affordable too. These smart glasses are rumored to cost between $379 and $499, which puts them roughly inline with Meta's pricing though well have to wait and see what Samsung announces to know for sure, pricing has been all over thanks to various
global economic challenges.

As for Samsungs second pair of specs, they would be practically the same, but with a display.

Now, leaks and rumors suggest the display model wont actually land until 2027 but I expect they'll get some time in the spotlight if the displayless specs are shown off in part to build excitement and prove Android XR has a long term plan (to rebut fears this is Google Glass 2.0), and in part to make Samsung not appear too far behind Metas technology (as its Ray-ban Display specs are already available to buy in the US). (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) It's frustrating that we might have to wait a little longer for these display glasses, though, seeing the supply issues Meta has had with its version, and the high price tag, Samsung's delay might mean it can bring us a more reliably available and affordable version of this exciting emerging
tech. Strut your stuff Lastly, my bold Google I/O prediction: well get an XR fashion show with models strutting down the runway in Gucci, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker smart specs.

Much like how Meta has partnered with EssilorLuxotticas Oakley and Ray-Ban, Android XR companies are partnering with fashion brands to bring some style
to their specs.

Given how much glasses can play into someones visual identity, a fashion
focus is key, and offering a variety of looks is key to capturing different users and use cases just look at Meta, its Ray-Bans are superb for everyday wear and casual vacationing, while its Oakleys are perfect for athletes. (Image credit: Oakley Meta) With a wider variety of brands and, hopefully, styles under its belt, Android XR seems to have an advantage over Meta again, and a fashion show moment would be the perfect way to highlight the variety its set to offer.

Plus, Google has shown it isnt afraid to mix things up with its events last year, the Made by Google Pixel 10 launch show was hosted by Jimmy Fallon and featured a large cast of celebrities and segments that felt more like a variety show than a technology keynote.

So Im hoping we might see some fun smart-glasses showcases, though Ill admit my fashion-show pitch might be a little out there and it assumes Google, Gentle Monster, Gucci, and Warby Parker are even ready to showcase their designs. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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