Google’s Smart Glasses Return: Gentle Monster Pre-Orders Open November 12

Gentle Monster announced that pre-orders for its “Intelligent Eyewear” will open on November 12, marking Google’s first concrete step in a smart eyewear comeback a decade after Google Glass was pulled from the consumer market.

The glasses, built on Android XR and powered by Gemini AI, arrive in a market where Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses already dominate. Unlike the original Glass, which drew criticism for its price, limited features, and privacy risks, Google is positioning these as lifestyle products. “Unfortunately, we sort of messed up on the timing,” Google co-founder Sergey Brin said of the earlier attempt.

The first models are audio glasses without in-lens displays. Users interact through voice commands for real-time translation, navigation, messaging, and photo capture. Both Android and iOS devices work with them.

Warby Parker also set November 12 for pre-orders, with deliveries expected during the holiday season. Gentle Monster is promoting the collection with a short film directed by Jonathan Glazer and starring Joaquin Phoenix, scheduled for release in mid-November.

Android XR, co-developed with Samsung and Qualcomm and launched in October 2025, supports extended reality devices from headsets to AI glasses. Other companies are moving too: Xreal released the Aura with AR displays and Gemini integration, and luxury group Kering is developing Gucci-branded smart glasses for a 2027 debut.

Global shipments of AI smart glasses are projected to reach 20 million units in 2026. Google’s bet is that combining advanced AI with mainstream fashion brands can capture part of that growth.