google, samsung and gentle monster announce their partnership
Google, Samsungand South Korean eyewear brand Gentle monster have announced a partnership for AI-powered development smart glasses under Google’s Android XR platform, unveiled during Google I/O 2026 in California. The partnership marks Google’s latest push into mobile computing, combining Samsung’s hardware ecosystem with fashion’s Gentle Monster glasses design and Google’s Gemini AI assistant.
The new “smart glasses” platform integrates microphones, speakers, cameras and AI voice assistance directly into lightweight eyeglass frames designed for everyday use. The first prototypes shown at Google I/O focus on hands-free functionality, including live translation, navigation, messaging, image capture and contextual search, while avoiding the more intrusive augmented reality displays associated with previous generations of smart glasses.
image by Carlijn Jacobs courtesy of Gentle Monster
Futuristic glasses can process images and support voice
For Google, the Gentle Monster partnership marks a clear attempt to reposition smart glasses as lifestyle products rather than experimental tech hardware. Known for its sculptural silhouettes and immersive retail environments, the Seoul-based eyewear label brings a fashion credibility that wearable technology companies have historically struggled to achieve.
The announcement also reflects a broader industry shift toward fashion-tech partnerships as companies scramble to create the next mainstream computing interface beyond smartphones. Meta’s success with Ray-Ban smart glasses has already shown consumer appetite for discreet wearables that look like conventional glasses, prompting competitors including Google to prioritize industrial design and branding partnerships alongside AI functionality.
the new design incorporates microphones, speakers, cameras and AI assistance
The design highlights emotions and technology in equal measure
“Smart glasses should feel as emotionally expressive as they are technologically advanced,” said Hankook Kim, founder and CEO of Gentle Monster. “Our vision was to merge fashion and technology in a way that is bold, beautiful and human, bringing Gentle Monster’s disruptive design identity into a new era of smart glasses with Samsung and Google.”
Google said the first Android XR Glasses products developed with Samsung and Gentle Monster are expected to launch later this year, with more advanced display-equipped models planned for future releases. The announcement also included a brand partnership with Warby Parker, with each eyewear brand bringing a distinct design approach to the device.
project information:
name: Smart glasses
brands: Google, Samsung, Gentle monster | @google, @samsung, @gentlemonster
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