At Google I/O 2026, TechCrunch had a brief hands-on with Google’s upcoming AI-powered glasses — not the audio-only version that begins shipping this fall, but the model with a combined audio and visual experience. These Android XR glasses use an in-lens display to overlay widgets, live translation, walking directions, and more on top of the real world.
The Prototype
The display glasses were developed in partnership with Warby Parker, Gentle Monster, and Samsung, blending Google’s technology with each brand’s design aesthetics. The unit we tested was still a prototype — polished enough for external testing, but far from the shipping design in fit, shape, and cosmetics. It carried a single display over the right eye, though the platform can support dual displays and audio-only formats. The image was a little fuzzy, and we experienced some eye strain above the right eye.
Using Gemini
To activate Gemini, you perform a two-second press on the right side of the frame. A startup chime signals Gemini is listening. We played music by voice — serviceable for walking or chores, though not a substitute for high-quality earbuds. A tap on the side stops playback. The photo button captures a shot that transfers to your phone, and you can ask Gemini to manipulate it, such as turning the person in the photo into an anime character — a round trip that took around 45 seconds over heavily loaded venue Wi-Fi.
Translation and Navigation
The strongest demo was live translation: a demonstrator spoke rapid Spanish, and the glasses auto-detected the language, showed English text on the display, and voiced the translation in our ear. World travelers would buy the glasses for this alone. Navigation worked by asking Gemini to route to a destination (“the nearest coffee shop”), which launched Google Maps on the phone. Turn-by-turn directions appear when you look forward; look down at the ground to see your blue dot on a map.
What This Means
Object identification was hit-or-miss — the glasses struggled with a Monet replica until the camera was re-enabled, then handled plants and recipes instantly. Google will expand its trusted-tester program later this year. Its claim that audio will suffice for many users is a smart way to spin the fact that the display version isn’t ready, given the pace of competition from Meta and Snap.