Google is making another attempt at smart glasses, and this time, the experience is notably different from competitors like Meta. The new glasses, available in styles from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, are lightweight at just 41 grams and come with built-in cameras, speakers, microphones, and a battery lasting up to nine hours. The right side houses the camera, while the arms contain the other components, all while maintaining a sleek design.
The standout feature is Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, which integrates seamlessly with both iPhones and Android phones. Gemini can handle a wide range of tasks, from answering questions and taking photos to planning trips and making dinner reservations. The assistant also leverages on-screen contextual awareness, allowing it to perform tasks based on what’s displayed on your device, such as booking flights for a concert after identifying the artist playing a song on Spotify.
Privacy is a key focus for Google, especially given past criticisms of its Google Glass. The new glasses include a tamper-proof recording light that flashes when the camera is active. If the light is covered or disabled, the camera stops working. Additionally, Google ensures that data captured for visual requests is processed without facial or voice recognition, and the company has implemented policies to block ads and tutorials related to tampering with the indicator light.
While the glasses are still in the demo phase, early impressions highlight Gemini’s intelligence and the natural interaction it offers. The audio quality is solid, and the microphones work well, making it a potential replacement for earbuds. Although the camera quality is decent, it’s not a substitute for a smartphone. Overall, Google’s smart glasses show promise, particularly for those already integrated into Google’s ecosystem.