The wait is over, friends. After years of Google showcasing what would be possible, Android XR (aka Intelligent Eyewear), is up for order. We have gotten a look at many of the frames that will be available from partners like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, but what we didn’t know was the price. Now we do.
Warby Parker’s models will start at $395, while Gentle Monster’s will start at $449. Not cheap, but as you’ll seen, there are plenty of frame options, plus choices of sunglasses/opticals and prescription options. If you have been wanting smart glasses, but didn’t want to give Meta access to everything you see, then these might be for you.
Gentle Monster will offer six designs in bold colors — including dark red, pink, gray, and yellow — paired with tinted, clear, blue, or brown lenses. Warby Parker’s lineup consists of three models — Alden, Reid, and Wren — three of Warby’s already popular options.
All models are said to offer up to 9 hours of battery life, plus come with a charging case capable of charging the glasses up to seven times. All frames come in around 41 grams, so relatively lightweight.
While the hardware is important, the smarts are what Google wants to sell. These glasses come with Gemini baked in, along with speakers built into the arms for hearing things like your notifications or listening to music. Gemini will be capable of looking at the world around you and recognize things then provide feedback, such as if you went to a bookstore and needed help getting recommendations from a table full of books.
Google Maps will be able to provide turn by turn directions into your ear, you can check the status of an Uber, or add items to your grocery list all from the glasses. You’ll also be able to utilize Google Translate for translating over 70 different languages, all from your eyewear.
Privacy is a big concern for many right now, so Google took time to explain a bit about its process here. According to its announcement post, “Camera visuals from Gemini on glasses are not saved in your Gemini History and aren’t used to train AI models or target ads. Your glasses are also designed to automatically redact bystanders’ faces from these visuals before Gemini processes them.”
And yes, a recording light will be present on the glasses when a picture or video is being capture, allowing others to know if you’re filming them. Additionally, the glasses are designed to stop recording if the light is covered or disabled.
Pre-orders are now up at Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Demos are also available to be scheduled at locations, as well as in select Google Stores. Intelligent eyewear will be available to purchase in store and online starting December 10, right in time for that holiday shopping season.
