Google Returns to Smart Glasses Market
More than ten years after the unsuccessful launch of Google Glass, Google is preparing to re-enter the smart glasses market with a new product.
The upcoming glasses are scheduled for release in autumn and will include a small camera embedded in the frames alongside discreet speakers in the arms. These features will enable interaction with Google's artificial intelligence (AI) system, Gemini.
Google unveiled the new smart glasses during its annual developer conference on Tuesday, presenting two styles: one designed in collaboration with Warby Parker and another with Gentle Monster.
Google Glass originally debuted in 2013 but was discontinued in 2015, just seven months after its UK launch, due to consumer backlash concerning its price and privacy issues.
The new smart glasses aim to allow users to remain "hands free and heads up," according to Shahram Izadi, a Google executive who spoke at the event.
Google confirmed that the glasses will be compatible with both Android and Apple's iOS devices.
"They are designed to give you all-day help with Gemini that's spoken into your ear privately rather than shown on a display," Izadi explained.
Although Google is developing a version of the glasses equipped with an in-lens display capable of presenting text and information directly to the wearer, this model will not be released immediately.
Izadi stated at the Mountain View, California event that additional details about the in-lens display glasses will be shared later this year.
He also noted that developers are already creating applications for the forthcoming display-equipped glasses.
Privacy Concerns
The primary features of Google's new smart glasses resemble those found in Meta's AI or smart glasses, which include a small camera and speakers for audio communication with Meta AI.
Meta has reportedly sold seven million pairs of its Ray-Ban smart glasses.
However, privacy concerns similar to those experienced with Google Glass over a decade ago have emerged with Meta's glasses. Individuals have been unknowingly recorded in both public and private settings by users wearing Meta's glasses, with footage sometimes surfacing online.
Other companies are also entering the market: Snap is expected to release an updated version of its smart glasses this year, and Apple is reportedly developing its own glasses product.
Industry Perspectives
Investor Christine Tsai of 500 Global, an early-stage venture capital firm, views Google's return to the smart glasses space positively.
"It's good for consumers. And it's good for early stage start ups, where we tend to invest, because they're a platform where people can build more capabilities," Tsai said, referencing her attendance at Tuesday's conference.
She added that smart glasses are gaining momentum as "that next modality" following the widespread adoption of smartphones.
Developer Anil Shah, who is creating an events management application called tixfix.ai, highlighted the potential for smart glasses to integrate multiple Google services such as Google Maps and Google Voice.
"It's a great addition to their product line-up," Shah stated.
Regarding his own startup, Shah expressed interest in developing integrations with Google's smart glasses to help users easily locate nearby events.
"I think being able to just talk with the smart glasses without opening the app would be a very nice integration," he said.
