The first smartglasses for Google's Gemini era are up for preorder from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, in a collaboration with Samsung.
The devices represent Google's return to intelligent eyewear following the original Google Glass. Samsung provides the internal hardware, while Warby Parker and Gentle Monster contributed frame designs.
Warby Parker's three frames, the Alden, Reid, and Wren, are priced from $395 and are exclusive to the US. Gentle Monster's six frame styles start at $449 and are available in the US and South Korea.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Google's renewed push into smartglasses with fashion partners signals a strategy to overcome the social stigma of the original Google Glass.
- The limited launch (US and South Korea, high price) points to a cautious, early-adopter-focused rollout.
Background
Google's first smartglasses attempt, Google Glass, struggled with privacy concerns and awkward design. The new devices are the first consumer push in the space since that era, now running on the Gemini AI platform.
What to Watch
- Consumer reaction to the privacy measures Google has promoted with the device.
- Whether the partnership with established eyewear brands leads to wider acceptance.
- Expansion of the product to additional countries and frame styles.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedThe smartglasses are Gemini-powered.Ars Technica - All content: “Google pushes privacy angle as Gemini-powered smartglasses debut starting at $395.”
- SupportedThe smartglasses are up for preorder starting at $395.Ars Technica - All content: “The first glasses are up for preorder today from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker ... They are available with both standard optical and sun lenses in Pine, Saddle, and Jet Black colors at $395 and higher.”
- Partly supportedDevices designed with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster are up for preorder in both the US and South Korea.Ars Technica - All content: “Warby Parker is only selling devices in the US. The Gentle Monster styles start a little higher at $449, and they will be available in the US and South Korea.”
- SupportedThese are the first smartglasses for Google's Gemini era.Ars Technica - All content: “Now, Google is ready to take another swing at " intelligent eyewear " for the Gemini era ... The first glasses are up for preorder today”
- SupportedThe glasses are up for preorder from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.Ars Technica - All content: “The first glasses are up for preorder today from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker”
- SupportedThe devices are a collaboration with Samsung.Ars Technica - All content: “These devices are a collaboration between Google, Samsung, and the aforementioned eyewear designers.”
- SupportedThe devices mark Google's return to intelligent eyewear following Google Glass.Ars Technica - All content: “Not only is propping a computer up on your nose an uncomfortable proposition, but the privacy aspect has been vexing people since the Google Glass days. Now, Google is ready to take another swing at " intelligent eyewear " for the Gemini era”
- SupportedSamsung provides the internal computing hardware.Ars Technica - All content: “Samsung is providing the computing hardware that fits inside them”
- SupportedWarby Parker's three frames are called Alden, Reid and Wren.Ars Technica - All content: “Warby Parker has designed three frames for Google eyewear, called Alden, Reid, and Wren”
- SupportedWarby Parker's frames cost $395 and higher and are sold only in the US.Ars Technica - All content: “They are available with both standard optical and sun lenses in Pine, Saddle, and Jet Black colors at $395 and higher. Warby Parker is only selling devices in the US.”
- SupportedGentle Monster has six frame styles.Ars Technica - All content: “Gentle Monster has gone a bit further with six styles”
- SupportedGentle Monster's styles start at $449 and are available in the US and South Korea.Ars Technica - All content: “The Gentle Monster styles start a little higher at $449, and they will be available in the US and South Korea.”
