Google's Second Attempt at Smart Glasses: A Hands-On Look at the New AI-Powered Prototype

More than a decade after Google Glass flopped spectacularly, Google is trying again with a new generation of connected eyewear. At its latest I/O conference, the company showed off a prototype that pairs the Google Gemini AI assistant with lightweight, almost normal-looking glasses. This Q&A covers what I learned from trying them on, how they differ from the original Glass, and whether privacy concerns still linger.

What exactly did Google show at I/O?

Google revealed two parallel efforts: Project Aura, a wearable XR glass project with Xreal that was teased last year, and a partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster for connected glasses. The initial version will be audio-only, with a small heads-up display later added in the corner of your vision. I tried a prototype manufactured by Samsung that incorporates elements from both the Warby Parker and Gentle Monster technologies. It's not a final product but a vehicle to demonstrate what Google hopes to achieve with AI-powered eyewear.

Google's Second Attempt at Smart Glasses: A Hands-On Look at the New AI-Powered Prototype — Source: www.pcworld.com

How do the new glasses compare to the original Google Glass?

Physically, they feel almost identical to standard sunglasses — no extra weight or thickness, nothing that screams 'smart glasses.' That's a huge contrast to the original Glass, which was bulky and conspicuous. But the core concept remains: an AI assistant in your ear and a small display in your field of view. What's changed is societal acceptance. Back then, wearers were called 'Glassholes' because of the camera and recording stigma. Now, with devices from Meta already on the streets, people are more comfortable with the technology — even if the camera and LED recording indicator still raise concerns.

What role does the Gemini AI assistant play?

Gemini is the real star of these glasses. Instead of pulling out your phone, you can ask Gemini questions, get directions, identify objects, or translate speech directly through the eyewear. The glasses act as a conduit for the AI, making it always available without being intrusive. During my demo, I used Gemini to find a nearby coffee shop and get walking directions — all hands-free. Google sees this as the natural evolution of smart glasses: not just a camera with a screen, but an intelligent companion that understands context and responds conversationally.

Are there still privacy concerns with the camera and recording?

Absolutely. The prototype has an outward-facing camera, just like the original Glass, and there's a small LED that supposedly signals when recording is active. However, I didn't ask about or confirm the LED's behavior in my brief time with the glasses. Meta's smart glasses have already normalized similar features in public, but anecdotal reports show users disabling the indicator to record surreptitiously. Google hasn't detailed any new safeguards, so the 'Glasshole' stigma could resurface if the final product doesn't address these issues transparently.

When can we expect these glasses to be available?

Google has not announced a release date or price. The prototype I tried is still a development unit, and the company declined to share specs like battery life, display resolution, or camera capabilities. The initial audio-only glasses from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster are expected first, with the display model arriving later. Given the history of the original Glass — which was released to developers in 2013 and to consumers in 2014 before being pulled — Google is likely taking a slower, more cautious approach this time.

What makes these different from existing smart glasses like Meta's?

Meta's Ray-Ban Stories focus on capturing photos and video, with basic voice commands. Google's prototype elevates the concept by deeply integrating the Gemini AI, making it less about recording and more about real-time assistance. The display, though small, can overlay navigation arrows, translations, or informational tags. The partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster also hints at more stylish, prescription-friendly designs. If Google can nail the AI experience while keeping the glasses lightweight and socially acceptable, it might finally deliver what the original Glass always promised: an augmented reality companion that doesn't get in your way.

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