【AI前沿】Google takes a page out of Meta’s book, announces new audio-powered smart glasses at IO 2026

Google is getting (back) into the smart glasses game.At Google I/O on Tuesday, the company announced a new partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to produce a new line of AI-powered glasses. The company says that the devices will be built to pair with Android and iOS devices and were designed in collaboration with Samsung. They will be available later this year, the company said.Google is calling the new devices “audio glasses,” in that users will be able to issue verbal commands to them and get things done via its ecosystem of apps and services, including Gemini.Image Credits:TechCrunchThe user simply talks to their glasses (the demo shared on Tuesday involved a Googler ordering a coffee online by merely talking to the glasses), and the device, when synced, complies.Google has dabbled in smart glasses a number of times over the years. It notoriously launchedGoogle Glassyears ago, which ultimately helped spawn the derogatory term “glassholes.”The smart glasses space has changed a little bit since then, however. Lately, major companies — most notably Meta — and a small army of startups and smaller firms, have invested in the space.Catch up on the rest of Google IO 2026’s big newsGoogle Search as you know it is overGoogle updates Gemini app to take on ChatGPT and ClaudeGoogle introduces Gemini Spark, a 24/7 agent assistant with Gmail integrationHow to use Google’s new information agentsTopicsAI,ai glasses,glasses,Google,google io,google io 2026,HardwareWhen you purchase through links in our articles,we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.Lucas RopekSenior Writer, TechCrunchLucas is a senior writer at TechCrunch, where he covers artificial intelligence, consumer tech, and startups. He previously covered AI and cybersecurity at Gizmodo.

You can contact Lucas by emailing [email protected] BioMay 27Athens, GreeceStrictlyVC Athens is up next. Hear unfiltered insights straight from Europe’s tech leaders and connect with the people shaping what’s ahead. Lock in your spot before it’s gone.REGISTER NOWMost PopularGoogle Search as you know it is overSarah PerezElon Musk has lost his lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAITim FernholzUsers turn to jailbreaking their older Kindles as Amazon ends supportLauren ForristalOpenAI launches ChatGPT for personal finance, will let you connect bank accountsIvan MehtaUS orders travelers on Air Force One to throw away gifts, pins, and burner phones after China tripLorenzo Franceschi-BicchieraiOpenAI is reportedly preparing legal action against Apple; it wouldn’t be the first partner to feel burnedConnie LoizosHow to turn off Instagram’s new Instants feature and retract photos you accidentally sharedAisha Malik