Google and Samsung are reportedly collaborating to launch Android XR smart glasses, with a full release planned for 2026. This marks a significant step in the evolution of augmented and extended reality technology. The glasses, showcased as a prototype by Google, are set to be marketed and released by Samsung, combining Google's software expertise with Samsung's hardware prowess.

At the TED2025 conference, Google VP Shahram Izadi demonstrated a prototype of the smart glasses, highlighting features like live translation, memory recall, and navigation capabilities. The glasses are designed to integrate seamlessly with Android apps and other Google services, offering a versatile user experience. A key advantage of Google's approach is the glasses' relationship with Android phones. The glasses work with the phone, streaming back and forth, allowing the glasses to be very lightweight and access all phone apps. This design strategy allows Google to create a more streamlined form factor by offloading heavy processing to the smartphone.

While waiting until 2026 might seem disappointing, the extra development time could result in a more refined product. The strategy of creating lightweight glasses that work with an existing smartphone could also lead to a more affordable entry point into AR technology compared to standalone devices.

In addition to the glasses, Google and Samsung are also collaborating on “Project Moohan,” an Android XR headset. This device appears to be a more comprehensive XR solution, potentially competing with devices like Apple's Vision Pro, while the glasses offer a more practical, everyday approach to augmented reality. Samsung is expected to unveil a finished version of the Project Moohan prototype later this year. Google and Samsung will likely share more about the Android XR-based smart glasses during the Galaxy S26 launch event, expected sometime in January 2026.