Google Explores Partnerships for Smart Glasses and XR Devices

Highlights

• Google seeks collaboration with EssilorLuxottica for smart glasses with Gemini AI.
• Plans to integrate Gemini AI into future Ray-Ban models.
• Partners with Magic Leap for an Android XR developer headset.
• Google aims to enter the XR market through partnerships rather than proprietary hardware.

Google has reportedly approached EssilorLuxottica, the company behind Ray-Ban, to discuss integrating its Gemini AI assistant into future smart glasses.

This move aligns with Google’s strategy of partnering with hardware manufacturers rather than developing its own XR headsets or glasses.

EssilorLuxottica is already collaborating with Meta on the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

Recently, Meta has expressed interest in taking a minority stake in the company, which could be seen as a defensive measure against potential competitors like Google.

“Today people’s expectations are clearer.. hence the success of the second generation,” Milleri said on the sidelines of an event in Milan.
“In Europe we are waiting for the decision of the new Artificial Intelligence Act, which we hope will arrive soon”, Milleri added.

EssilorLuxottica’s CEO added that Meta was a “key partner” for the company and that his group’s brands can be “a cultural intermediary to bring technology to people”.

Google Glasses with Gemini

The proposed Google smart glasses would likely focus on multimodal Gemini capabilities, featuring a microphone, speaker, and camera.

This approach is similar to what Google demonstrated with its Project Astra prototypes at I/O 2024.

The device could potentially include music playback and photo/video capture capabilities, leveraging Google’s experience with Pixel Buds and Google Photos.

Google Partners with Magic Leap for Android XR Developer Headset

In addition to exploring smart glasses, Google is collaborating with Magic Leap to create a developer headset running Android XR.

This device is expected to be based on the Magic Leap 2 and will focus on AR optics and manufacturing.

This partnership comes amid rumors that Google is planning to release a developer headset with Samsung in October, ahead of a consumer launch in 2025.

These developments show Google’s multi-faceted approach to entering the XR market, focusing on partnerships and software integration rather than producing its own hardware.

By leveraging its AI capabilities and Android platform, Google aims to establish a presence in the growing XR ecosystem without the risks associated with manufacturing custom devices.

FAQs

What companies is Google partnering with for its smart glasses?

Google is exploring partnerships with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, to integrate its Gemini AI assistant into future smart glasses.

What features are expected in the Google smart glasses?

The smart glasses may include multimodal Gemini capabilities, such as a microphone, speaker, and camera, similar to the Project Astra prototypes.

How is Google approaching the XR market?

Google is focusing on partnerships with hardware manufacturers like EssilorLuxottica and Magic Leap to integrate its software and AI capabilities, rather than developing its own XR hardware.

What is Google’s partnership with Magic Leap about?

Google is collaborating with Magic Leap to create a developer headset running Android XR, based on the Magic Leap 2, focusing on AR optics and manufacturing.

When is Google expected to launch its XR devices?

Rumors suggest Google may release a developer headset with Samsung in October 2024, with a potential consumer launch in 2025.

Also Read: Google Rebrands Bard to Gemini; Introduced Access to Gemini Ultra 1.0 and Mobile App for Android, iOS

Also Read: Google Gemini Update Brings Automatic Voice Commands, To Expand to Headphones

Also Read: Meta Enhances Ray-Ban Smart Glasses with Instagram Integration, Amazon Music, and More