Google Glass
An early augmented reality device by Google, presented as a 'ghost of Christmas past' to illustrate how some revolutionary ideas are ahead of their time.
First Mentioned
1/15/2026, 6:37:57 AM
Last Updated
1/15/2026, 6:43:31 AM
Research Retrieved
1/15/2026, 6:43:31 AM
Summary
Google Glass was a pioneering brand of smart glasses developed by Google's X Development, designed to function as a ubiquitous computer through a head-up display and voice control. Launched as a prototype in 2012 for $1,500, it faced significant backlash regarding privacy, leading to its discontinuation in 2015. While the consumer version failed, it transitioned into Enterprise Editions before those were also suspended in 2023. By 2026, Google Glass was viewed as a historical milestone in AR technology, paving the way for a new generation of AI-powered glasses and the Android XR operating system.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Developer
Google's X Development (formerly Google X)
Display Type
Head-up display (HUD)
Input Method
Natural language voice commands
Product Type
Optical head-mounted computer glasses
Video Resolution
720p
Camera Resolution
5 megapixels (still photos)
Initial Launch Price
1,500 USD
Prototype Weight (2011)
8 pounds (3.6 kg)
Timeline
- Inception of the Google Glass project. (Source: Wikidata)
2012-01-01
- Google begins selling the prototype to qualified 'Glass Explorers' in the US. (Source: Wikipedia)
2012-06-27
- Distribution of the Explorer Edition purchases begins. (Source: Wikipedia)
2013-04-16
- Version XE8 is released, adding an integrated video player and Evernote integration. (Source: Web Search (Wikipedia))
2013-08-12
- Google unveils the Glass Development Kit (GDK). (Source: Web Search (Wikipedia))
2013-11-19
- Google Glass becomes available to the general public. (Source: Wikipedia)
2014-04-15
- Google announces that Android Wear notifications will be sent to Glass. (Source: Web Search (Wikipedia))
2014-06-25
- Google announces the discontinuation of the original Google Glass prototype. (Source: Wikipedia)
2015-01-15
- Sales of the Google Glass Enterprise Editions are suspended. (Source: Wikipedia)
2023-03-15
- Leaks reveal a companion app for future Android XR smart glasses. (Source: Web Search (Yahoo Tech))
2025-12-31
- Google Glass is featured in a 'time capsule' of past technologies during a CES 2026 panel. (Source: Document c08935b9-87d2-439d-a5ee-c1b4d7dc4dcf)
2026-01-01
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaGoogle Glass
Google Glass, or simply Glass, is a discontinued brand of smart glasses developed by Google's X Development (formerly Google X), with a mission of producing a ubiquitous computer. Google Glass displays information to the wearer using a head-up display. Wearers communicate with the Internet via natural language voice commands. Google started selling a prototype of Google Glass to qualified "Glass Explorers" in the US on June 27, 2012, for a limited period for $1,500, (with distribution of those purchases beginning on April 16, 2013), before it became available to the public on April 15, 2014. It has an integrated 5 megapixel still/720p video camera. The headset received a great deal of criticism amid concerns that its use could violate existing privacy laws. On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop producing the Google Glass prototype. The prototype was succeeded by two Enterprise Editions, whose sales were suspended on March 15, 2023. More than a decade later, Google would return to the extended reality space with Android XR, an operating system that will power headsets and smartglasses.
Web Search Results
- Google Glass - Wikipedia
Google Glass, or simply Glass, is a discontinued brand of smart glasses developed by Google's X Development (formerly Google X), with a mission of producing a ubiquitous computer. Google Glass displays information to the wearer using a head-up display. Wearers communicate with the Internet via natural language voice commands. Google started selling a prototype of Google Glass to qualified "Glass Explorers" in the US on June 27, 2012, for a limited period for $1,500, (with distribution of those purchases beginning on April 16, 2013), before it became available to the public on April 15, 2014. It has an integrated 5 megapixel still/720p video camera. The headset received a great deal of criticism amid concerns that its use could violate existing privacy laws. [...] Version XE8 made a debut for Google Glass on August 12, 2013. It brings an integrated video player with playback controls, the ability to post an update to Path, and lets users save notes to Evernote. Several other minute improvements include volume controls, improved voice recognition, and several new Google Now cards. On November 19, 2013, Google unveiled its Glass Development Kit, showcasing the translation tool Word Lens, the cooking program AllTheCooks, and the exercise program Strava among others as successful examples. Google announced three news programs in May 2014—TripIt, FourSquare and OpenTable—in order to entice travelers. On June 25, 2014, Google announced that notifications from Android Wear would be sent to Glass. [...] On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop producing the Google Glass prototype. The prototype was succeeded by two Enterprise Editions, whose sales were suspended on March 15, 2023. More than a decade later, Google would return to the extended reality space with Android XR, an operating system that will power headsets and smartglasses. ## Development and release [edit] Google Glass was developed by Google X, the facility within Google devoted to technological advancements such as driverless cars. The Google Glass prototype resembled standard eyeglasses with the lens replaced by a head-up display. In mid-2011, Google engineered a prototype that weighed 8 pounds (3.6 kg); by 2013 they were lighter than the average pair of sunglasses.
- Sneak peek: Google's Android XR glasses app shows off ...
Google ended 2025 with some significant announcements in its XR space, even giving us a full preview of how its smart glasses would interact with the world around us. The tech giant is developing two types of AI glasses. The first is a lightweight, screen-free AI smart glass for all-day wear, in partnership with fashion brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. The second is a display AI glass, created with hardware giants like Samsung and Magic Leap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement > Google Glass Companion App in the API canary system image from r/googleglass However, while we did see the glasses in action a couple of times, we didn't get to see much of its app that controls them. We’re getting an early peek at the software that may make this all possible. [...] A Reddit user seems to have spotted the companion app for Google's smart glasses. They managed to snag it by running the Android Studio preview release and setting the API to Canary preview. What's more notable is that the software seems to align with what Google mentions in their own support docs (as spotted by Android Authority). Furthermore, the publication posted screenshots of the Canary preview that show a "Glasses" app for Google's Android XR smart glasses. It also seems to come with a package name "com.google.android.glasses.companion." [...] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ## Trending: The best new art TVs: Samsung Frame and more The best soundbar to buy Best open-ear headphones for 2025 The best streaming services: Tested and reviewed # Sneak peek: Google’s Android XR glasses app shows off AI features, camera, and display options Nandika Ravi Add Yahoo Tech on Google When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. ## What you need to know Google unveils two types of smart glasses, focusing on functionality and design. A companion app reportedly spotted, highlighting features for upcoming smart glasses. Privacy assured as recorded data remains exclusive to users, enhancing user trust.
- Google unveils plans to try again with smart glasses in 2026
Skip to content Watch Live Watch Live # Google unveils plans to try again with smart glasses in 2026 Liv McMahonTechnology reporter Google plans to launch smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence (AI) in 2026, after its previous high-profile attempt to enter the market ended in failure. The tech giant set expectations high in 2013 when it unveiled Google Glass, billed by some as the future of technology despite its odd appearance with a bulky screen positioned above the right eye. Google pulled the product in 2015 less than seven months after its UK release, but is now planning on re-entering the market with smart glasses with a cleaner look. But it comes after Meta has already made waves with its smart specs, which have sold two million pairs as of February. [...] Google will also have to contend with Meta, which unveiled its own AI-powered glasses earlier this year, having built on its existing collaborations with luxury eyewear brands Ray-Ban and Oakley. According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, the sector saw a surge in the first half of 2025, driven by demand for Meta's devices and the launch of similar products by smaller brands. It said sales of AI glasses had grown by more than 250% compared to the previous year. ## What went wrong with Google Glass? Google Glass was launched in 2013 as a pair of thin, wireframe glasses with a chunky right arm to accommodate a camera built into the corner of the right lens. [...] Google's new tech will let users interact with its own AI products, such as its chatbot Gemini. It plans to launch two different varieties - one designed to be provide assistance without any kind of screen, and another which has a display on the glasses themselves. While saying the first of the two types of AI glasses it is working on would come in 2026, Google has not given more information on what form it will take. Technology analyst Paolo Pescatore told the BBC the tech firm "must avoid the pitfalls of its previous failed attempt". "Arguably, the move was ahead of its time, poorly conceived and executed," he said. "Now represents an opportune moment, thanks to the success of Gemini."
- Sneak peek: Google's Android XR glasses app shows off ...
## What you need to know Google unveils two types of smart glasses, focusing on functionality and design. A companion app reportedly spotted, highlighting features for upcoming smart glasses. Privacy assured as recorded data remains exclusive to users, enhancing user trust. Google ended 2025 with some significant announcements in its XR space, even giving us a full preview of how its smart glasses would interact with the world around us. The tech giant is developing two types of AI glasses. The first is a lightweight, screen-free AI smart glass for all-day wear, in partnership with fashion brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. The second is a display AI glass, created with hardware giants like Samsung and Magic Leap. [...] Furthermore, the publication posted screenshots of the Canary preview that show a "Glasses" app for Google's Android XR smart glasses. It also seems to come with a package name "com.google.android.glasses.companion." The screenshots show how users can pair their smart glasses, with a prompt stating, "Set up your Glasses now, or discover your next pair on the Google Store.” That said, the purchasing link for the glasses is currently inactive (greyed out) for obvious reasons. But the app mentions a physical power that is placed on the right arm of these glasses, and that the LED will pulse blue or white once the glasses are ready to pair. Be an expert in 5 minutes Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android [...] > Google Glass Companion App in the API canary system image from r/googleglass However, while we did see the glasses in action a couple of times, we didn't get to see much of its app that controls them. We’re getting an early peek at the software that may make this all possible. A Reddit user seems to have spotted the companion app for Google's smart glasses. They managed to snag it by running the Android Studio preview release and setting the API to Canary preview. What's more notable is that the software seems to align with what Google mentions in their own support docs (as spotted by Android Authority).
- Google's Next Smart Glasses May Have Actually Learned ...
Speaking of distractions, it looks like Google’s smart glasses might also let you pause what could be a major one by turning the display off when it’s not in use to use the smart glasses in an audio-only state. That capability is evidenced by a string of code found by Android Authority titled “displayless mode.” Again, that’s not groundbreaking, but it’s thoughtful, and as someone who’s used both display glasses and non-display glasses extensively over the past year, I could see that capability coming in handy. [...] There’s not a ton to go off of yet, but if there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that Google has learned a thing or two since the Google Glass days, at least in terms of protecting privacy and designing thoughtful features. Leave it to Meta to make Google look privacy-conscious, I guess? Explore more on these topics Google Google Glass Privacy smart glasses Share this story Copied! ## Join our Newsletters Subscribe and interact with our community, get up to date with our customised Newsletters and much more. ## Related Articles ### Live Updates From CES 2026 in Las Vegas 🔴 Follow along with Gizmodo as we check out all the latest gadget announcements from the year's biggest, most-packed tech event, CES 2026. [...] Skip to content Gadgets # Google’s Next Smart Glasses May Have Actually Learned Something From the Glasshole Days If Reddit leaks are anything to go off of, Google Glass 2.0 might have learned a thing or two about privacy and distraction. By James Pero Reading time 2 minutes Comments (6) Google’s first stab at smart glasses since Google Glass will be here sooner rather than later, and we may have just gotten our first good look at what the glasses can do. The unexpected preview comes courtesy of a user on Reddit who says they discovered an early version of Google’s smart glasses companion app hidden inside a preview build of Android Studio. While the companion app doesn’t reveal everything, it does point to a few features and choices that make Google’s smart glasses stand out.
Wikidata
View on WikidataImage
Instance Of
Inception Date
1/1/2012
