Kering x Google’s Smart Glasses Drop

Remember Google Glass? The futuristic specs that launched a decade ago, made you look like a cyborg, and never really caught on? Well, Google’s having another go – but this time, it’s trading dorky design for designer polish.

The tech giant has teamed up with Kering Eyewear, the French luxury label behind brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent, to develop AI-powered smart glasses. The pair (pun intended) are working on what they call a stylish, high-end wearable built on Android XR, Google’s extended reality platform for immersive, AI-enhanced tech.

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According to both companies, the goal is to create glasses that actually fit into your everyday life – not just your desk drawer. Think AI-assisted interactions, seamless design, and a level of fashion clout that might finally convince people to wear smart specs without irony.

“This collaboration marks a new chapter,” Kering said in a joint statement, promising a product that blends “cutting-edge design, intelligent features, and human-centric technology.” No word yet on features, but the buzzwords suggest personalised, AI-driven functions and hands-free interaction with the real and virtual world – no bulky headset required.

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“We are shaping a product that people will want to wear,” said Roberto Vedovotto, Founder and CEO of Kering Eyewear. “Stylish glasses that unlock the potential of artificial intelligence, while redefining the way of interacting with both the real and virtual worlds.”

From Google’s side, Shahram Izadi, GM and VP of XR, added: “We’ve always believed in blending cutting-edge technology with great user experiences. Integrating our immersive XR platform with Kering’s iconic styles will give consumers the fashion and function to get the most out of Android XR.”

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This reboot comes after Google officially shelved Project Iris, its AR glasses prototype, in 2023. That effort followed several others – from acquiring Canadian smart glasses company North (and shutting it down) to pivoting its original Google Glass from consumer to enterprise use.

Launched in 2013, the original Google Glass came with a hefty price tag and privacy concerns thanks to its built-in camera. It was one of the first attempts at mainstream AR, but by 2015, the project had faded from public view – rebranded later as Glass Enterprise, which also met its end in 2023.

Now, with GenAI everywhere and smart wearables evolving fast, Google’s hoping the third time really is the charm – especially with fashion backing it up.