Google will launch first AI smart glasses since infamous Google Glass flop, as Meta updates its Ray-Ban specs

Google is taking another swing at smart glasses. The US tech firm is launching Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered glasses more than a decade after its Google Glass flop.

The latest specs are designed to assist you throughout the day without the need to reach for your mobile — marking a significant expansion of its Android XR platform used to power Samsung's Galaxy XR headset.

Shahram Izadi, Vice President of XR, wrote in a blog post: "There will be two types of intelligent eyewear: audio glasses that offer spoken help in your ear, and display glasses that show you the information you need, right when you need it. Both let you stay hands-free and heads up, and get you help from Gemini just by asking."

Google's audio specs will arrive this fall, with the display glasses not hitting shelves until an unspecified.

The announcement of Google's smart glasses arrived just as Meta revealed updates to its Ray-Ban display glasses last September. Samsung's first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered glasses may also be making an appearance in the coming weeks.

Google's smart specs will integrate with Gemini AI, allowing you to access help simply by saying "Hey Google" or tapping the frame. The Gemini AI assistant will also allow you to enquire about your surroundings simply by looking at something and asking a question.

For instance, you might request restaurant reviews while strolling past an establishment, identify cloud formations overhead, or decipher perplexing parking signage.

Its navigation is expected to be particularly intuitive, as the spectacles detect both location and orientation to deliver natural spoken directions. Plus, the use of AI can modify routes on the fly, adding stops or suggesting nearby eateries based on your personal preferences.

Exploring another country that speaks a different language? The glasses feature real-time translation capabilities, similar to the AirPods Pro 3 ,**** extending to both spoken language and written text, with audio output matching the original speaker's tone and pitch.

Its camera hidden in the frames allows instant capture with voice-activated editing, including background removal and playful image transformations.

Gemini will also handle multi-step tasks, similar to the recently refreshed chatty assistant Alexa+. For example, it can search coffee shops, prepare your coffee order, and set it up to be delivered to your home.

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On the other hand, Meta has moved swiftly to bolster its position in the smart eyewear market with several noteworthy updates to its Ray-Ban Display glasses. Several of its older models were also just marked down on its site.

"Meta explained in a blog post: "We're rolling out access to the display on Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses with two build paths: for mobile apps and now for Web Apps as well, both in developer preview."

Meta's new Neural Handwriting functionality has also just emerged from its limited testing phase. The feature requires a bundled Neural Band accessory, which employs sophisticated sEMG tech to recognise finger movements on any surface, whether a desk, palm, or thigh.

You'll soon also be able to search contacts and compose messages across Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and standard phone notifications.

Meta's mapping capabilities are also expected to expand considerably, with walking directions now covering London alongside Paris, Rome, and the entire United States. Additionally, the update introduces saved home and work locations, plus voice navigation support.

You'll also be treated to a new display recording feature, which captures the in-display image, camera POV, and surrounding audio all inside the same video file.

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