I tried the next-gen Android XR prototype smart glasses, and these frames are ready for your close-up

It's becoming a familiar feeling, that moment of delight when a bit of information, video, photos, navigation, or even live translation floats before my eyes. I've seen it now with Meta Ray-Ban Displays and Meta Orion. This is the new state of the art for smart glasses, and I was excited to see Android XR finally joining the party.

This week marks a critical turning point for the Google Android XR journey, one that began somewhat inauspiciously with the Samsung Galaxy XR but is now set to soon deliver on a promise of wearable, take-anywhere, Gemini AI-backed smart glasses.

At Monday's Android Show: XR Edition, Google is unveiling two smart glasses prototype developer editions: one a monocular experience, and the other a dual-display experience. It's also joining with partner Xreal to give a first look at the Xreal Project Aura, the ...