Gentle Monster has announced that its version of Google’s Android XR smart glasses will launch in December. The Korean eyewear brand stated that pre-orders for the “Intelligent Eyewear” will open on November 12. This date aligns with a similar announcement from Warby Parker, which appeared to share the same pre-order opening date on Thursday. Both brands are partners in the project alongside Samsung.
Pre-orders and Launch Timeline
The collaboration between Google, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker is positioned as a competitor to Meta’s smart glasses and a revival of sorts for Google Glass. Google itself has not yet confirmed either the pre-order or launch dates. The specific date shared by Warby Parker suggests a coordinated rollout among the partners, although official confirmation from the tech giant remains pending.
Gentle Monster’s website currently lists the pre-order date as November 12. The brand has also released a teaser for a short film directed by Jonathan Glazer, known for his work on “Under the Skin” and “The Zone of Interest.” The teaser stars Joaquin Phoenix, who previously portrayed a man who falls in love with an AI in the film “Her.” Gentle Monster indicated that the full version of this short film will be available in mid-November. The teaser suggests the content will lean toward experimental film rather than a standard commercial advertisement.
Android XR Platform Details
Google’s Android XR platform is designed to power a range of devices, including the mixed reality experience on the Samsung Galaxy XR and the augmented reality features offered by the Xreal Aura. The smart glasses from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker will provide a display-free, audio-first version of the operating system. Despite the lack of a visual display, the devices should offer similar access to Gemini, Google’s AI assistant.
It remains unclear how the “Intelligent Eyewear” will be received by consumers. Google appears to be relying on the strategy of packaging technology within desirable brands to counter potential backlash. With both Warby Parker and Gentle Monster setting dates on the calendar, the market response to this new category of wearable technology will become apparent in the coming weeks.
Source: Engadget
