From Skeptic to Believer: How Google’s Android XR Transformed My View on Smart Glasses

I swapped my regular glasses for a pair of Android XR glasses at the Google I/O conference. They look a lot like normal glasses, but they’re packed with tech. For example, the right lens displays the time and weather—pretty neat, right?

During my brief test, I got to snap a photo and see it instantly on the lens. It felt like a scene straight out of a spy movie, but I was just in a small wooden shed with a demo of Google’s new technology. These glasses are prototypes made with Samsung and Qualcomm, and they aim to change how we interact with technology daily.

What really stands out is the tiny display on the right lens. It projects a colorful interface and even responds to voice commands through built-in microphones and speakers. You can dictate prompts to Google’s AI, Gemini. I tried asking it about some paintings nearby, and I could hear the responses while others around me couldn’t. That felt pretty cool!

I also tested Google Maps on the glasses. I saw a live map that guided me with arrows as I moved—a great way to navigate while keeping my eyes free. This experience was surprisingly fun, and it shifted my skepticism about smart glasses.

However, I have questions. How long do they last on a charge? Will I need a second pair of regular glasses while these recharge? And of course, how much will they cost?

Experts in the tech field suggest that these glasses could appeal to a broader audience. According to a recent survey, 72% of consumers are open to wearable tech if it offers practical benefits. This trend shows that we might soon see more smart glasses in everyday life.

Google will also be collaborating with brands like Warby Parker to create stylish frames, making them more appealing. It’s interesting to think that in a few years, smart glasses could be as common as prescription ones.

For a more in-depth analysis of smart glasses and their implications, you can check out CNET’s Scott Stein, who has a wealth of knowledge in this space.

The future of glasses might reshape how we see the world—both literally and figuratively.



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