Google unveils plans to try again with smart glasses in 2026

Liv McMahonTechnology reporterGoogleGoogle plans to launch good glasses powered by synthetic intelligence (AI) in 2026, after its earlier high-profile try and enter the market resulted in failure.The tech large set expectations excessive in 2013 when it unveiled Google Glass, billed by some as the way forward for expertise regardless of its odd look with a cumbersome display screen positioned above the proper eye. Google pulled the product in 2015 lower than seven months after its UK launch, however is now planning on re-entering the market with good glasses with a cleaner look.However it comes after Meta has already made waves with its good specs, which have bought two million pairs as of February.Google’s new tech will let customers work together with its personal AI merchandise, resembling its chatbot Gemini.It plans to launch two completely different varieties – one designed to be present help with none form of display screen, and one other which has a show on the glasses themselves.Whereas saying the primary of the 2 sorts of AI glasses it’s engaged on would are available in 2026, Google has not given extra info on what kind it can take.Expertise analyst Paolo Pescatore instructed the BBC the tech agency “should keep away from the pitfalls of its earlier failed try”.”Arguably, the transfer was forward of its time, poorly conceived and executed,” he stated.”Now represents an opportune second, because of the success of Gemini.”Bloomberg by way of Getty ImagesGoogle co-founder Sergey Brin demonstrated Google Glass on-stage at an occasion in 2012.Google can even need to cope with Meta, which unveiled its personal AI-powered glasses earlier this yr, having constructed on its present collaborations with luxurious eyewear manufacturers Ray-Ban and Oakley.In response to market analysis agency Counterpoint Analysis, the sector noticed a surge within the first half of 2025, pushed by demand for Meta’s units and the launch of comparable merchandise by smaller manufacturers.It stated gross sales of AI glasses had grown by greater than 250% in comparison with the earlier yr.What went improper with Google Glass?Google Glass was launched in 2013 as a pair of skinny, wireframe glasses with a chunky proper arm to accommodate a digicam constructed into the nook of the proper lens.Wearers might use the digicam to take pictures and report their environment, whereas concurrently work together with a digital show The system created quite a lot of pleasure when it first appeared at a Google occasion in June 2012.However after its launch the next yr, considerations about its influence on privateness, potential for abuse and questions on its model and usefulness arose – and grew till Google Google stated it could cease making them in that kind in 2015.A revamped model, Google Glass Enterprise, appeared two years later however was retired in 2023.Former BBC Expertise Correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones was amongst those that had deemed Google’s system in its preliminary kind to be “a failure”.The success of so-called wearable computer systems, he wrote, would seemingly rely upon having the tech to deliver their potential to life and them being “each enticing to put on and really easy to make use of that you just overlook that you’ve them on”.Right this moment, tech giants have tried to make AI and good glasses extra wearable by partnering with designer eyewear manufacturers – and might pack extra energy and options into smaller, sleeker frames.However there stay considerations about privateness and value.