Google unveils Gemini-powered smartglasses starting at $395

Google is reentering the smartglasses market with a new line of audio-focused glasses powered by its AI assistant Gemini. The company has partnered with Samsung for hardware, Warby Parker and Gentle Monster for design, creating a direct competitor to Meta's Ray-Ban smartglasses.

The glasses will be available in two price points: $395 for Warby Parker frames and $449 for Gentle Monster models. Pre-orders opened November 12, 2026, with retail availability following on December 10, 2026, positioning the product for the holiday gift market.

Technical Specifications

The collaboration splits responsibilities among partners. Samsung supplies the computing hardware within the frames, while Google manages the software. Warby Parker and Gentle Monster each designed multiple frame styles with transparent and tinted lens options.

The glasses weigh approximately 41 grams and feature a 12-megapixel camera capable of recording video at up to 3K resolution. Battery life is rated at up to nine hours, with the included charging case providing an additional seven charges.

Audio-First Approach

The most notable design choice is the absence of a built-in display. These are purely audio glasses, with Gemini providing hands assistance through voice interaction rather than projecting information into the wearer's field of vision.

Key features include real-time translation across more than 70 languages, Google Maps integration for audio navigation, and an accessibility feature called Guided Vision that describes the wearer's surroundings. Visible recording indicators address privacy concerns that have plagued smartglasses for years.

Market Positioning

This launch marks Google's first entry into the smartglasses market since the ill-fated Google Glass in 2013. The company has previously previewed its eyewear plans and acquired a minority stake in Gentle Monster in 2025 to establish fashion credentials.

Meta's Ray-Ban glasses serve as the primary benchmark, having proven that camera-equipped, audio-first devices can succeed when they resemble normal sunglasses. The $395 entry point through Warby Parker positions the product as premium eyewear rather than a luxury gadget, while the $449 Gentle Monster option targets fashion-conscious consumers.

Samsung's hardware integration ties the product into the broader Android ecosystem. Market reception will be closely monitored through pre-order interest and post-launch sales to determine if Google has finally created smartglasses with mainstream appeal.