I Waited One Hour to Try Google's Android XR Smart Glasses and ...
After enduring two hours of nonstop Gemini AI announcements at Google I/O, I finally had the opportunity to try out Google's Android XR smart glasses. I opted for the Android XR over Samsung’s Project Moohan mixed reality headset to see how they compared to other smart glasses like Meta’s Orion concept and the infamous Google Glass.
My Experience with Android XR Smart Glasses
Despite being promised five minutes to try out the Android XR prototype, I was only given three minutes, with half of that time spent on an explanation of how the smart glasses worked. During my brief interaction, I was amazed by the capabilities of the glasses and Gemini AI.
With the Android XR glasses, I was able to interact with Gemini AI by just tapping on the right side of the glasses. I asked Gemini about a painting on the wall, the books on a nearby bookshelf, and even tested its navigation capabilities with Google Maps. However, the experience felt rushed, and I wished I had more time to fully explore the potential of the smart glasses.
Comparison with Meta’s Orion Smart Glasses
When compared to Meta’s Orion smart glasses, the Android XR glasses fell short. Meta’s concept offered more features and a superior user experience with its waveguide lenses and multiple app windows. However, I did appreciate the simplicity and functionality of the Android XR prototype's singular display.
Despite the limited time and rushed demo, I believe that Google is onto something with the Android XR smart glasses. The design felt comfortable, resembling a pair of thick sunglasses, and the AI capabilities showed promise, albeit in a constrained demo environment.
Final Thoughts on Android XR Smart Glasses
My brief encounter with the Android XR smart glasses left me intrigued but wanting more. It's clear that Google has made progress since the days of Google Glass, but there is still more to uncover. I look forward to seeing how the Android XR smart glasses evolve and whether they can live up to the hype surrounding them.
