Over 12 years after the consumer misfire of Google Glass, Google is officially back in the smart eyewear game. The breakout success of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses proved people will wear camera-equipped frames when they look like normal glasses first. After promising Android XR smart glasses for nearly a year, Google is finally launching retail-ready models under the name Intelligent Eyewear.
In New York City last week, I got to try Intelligent Eyewear during a 30-minute hands-on session with final retail units. Walking out of my demo, one thing was clear: these glasses feel remarkably polished. Still, with no display, narrow smartphone support, a $395 starting price, and cultural pushback against this product category, Google faces real hurdles ahead.
Design, brands, and fit
