Sergey Brin on Google Glass: Android XR
More than a decade after the original Google Glass made headlines, Google is ready for a fresh attempt at smart glasses. Powered by GenAI and the upcoming Android XR platform, the next-generation Google Glass — informally referred to as c— is set to debut in 2025. The move is being seen as a strategic revival, with Google co-founder Sergey Brin once again playing a central role in its vision.
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The First Google Glass: A Bold Idea That Fell Short
Launched in 2013, the original Google Glass promised a futuristic experience where users could interact with the digital world using a head-mounted display. Sergey Brin, then at the forefront of Google’s experimental division, introduced it as the next step in wearable tech.
Despite the hype and innovation, the product struggled in the mainstream. A high price tag, privacy concerns (especially over the built-in front-facing camera), and limited real-world use cases meant that the device never moved beyond internal testing and select developer adoption.
Bringing Back the Glass – With a Smarter Twist
At Google I/O 2025, Brin made a surprise appearance during a fireside chat, where he reflected on the past mistakes of the original Glass project and shared why the new version could succeed.
Brin admitted he had underestimated key aspects like:
- Hardware production and supply chain management
- Consumer pricing strategies
- User experience expectations
- Social and privacy perceptions around wearable tech
However, what’s changed in 2025 is the rise of generative AI (GenAI) and Google’s powerful Gemini AI model, which is expected to play a big role in the new Glass product.
GenAI and Android XR: The Heart of Glass 2.0
The new Google Glass will be powered by Android XR, Google’s extended reality platform, designed to run immersive and interactive experiences. Coupled with Gemini, the company’s advanced AI assistant, the glasses aim to be far more intuitive and responsive than their predecessor.
Here’s what we can expect from Glass 2.0:
- Real-time translation and transcription
- Voice-guided navigation and context-aware prompts
- AI summarization and quick information delivery
- A camera-free design for improved privacy and social comfort
- Streamlined aesthetics to look more like normal glasses than a tech device
Brin emphasized that the new version will avoid the “creepy camera” that drew public criticism in the original. This change alone could make the product more socially acceptable and market-friendly.
Lessons Learned and a New Approach
Brin’s insights showed a clear shift in how Google is approaching hardware this time. With a more mature AI ecosystem, a better understanding of consumer behavior, and stronger developer support, Glass 2.0 seems to be built with practicality in mind — similar to the recent success of Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses.
He also noted that AI was the missing link in the original concept. Without powerful on-device intelligence, the old Glass was more of a display extension than a true assistant. With Gemini, Google now has the infrastructure to support an AI-first wearable experience that feels natural and useful.
Competition in the Smart Glasses Market Heats Up
Google’s re-entry into the smart glasses segment comes at a time when AI-powered wearables are gaining traction. Meta, Apple (with Vision Pro), and even startups like Xreal and Rokid are exploring similar territories, merging AR capabilities with smart assistant features.
By integrating Android XR and making Gemini the core experience, Google is positioning Glass 2.0 not just as an accessory, but as a standalone intelligent device — a personal AI agent you wear.
When Can We Expect It?
While an exact release date hasn’t been confirmed, Google Glass 2.0 is expected to launch sometime in 2025, likely around the next Google I/O or shortly after. Prototypes are reportedly being tested internally, and select developers may soon get early access for app development.
Final Thoughts
With Sergey Brin’s return to the project, and Google learning from the missteps of the past, the revival of Google Glass could mark a turning point for . Combining cutting-edge AI, a privacy-conscious design, and a lightweight XR operating system, the to be more useful, less intrusive, and far more refined.
While the success of Glass 2.0 is still uncertain, one thing is clear — this time, Google is better prepared and more aligned with the tech trends of today.
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