Warby Parker has inadvertently provided a concrete launch timeline for Google’s upcoming smart glasses. According to the eyewear retailer’s third-quarter earnings release, the company will begin accepting pre-orders for its new Intelligent Eyewear collection on November 12.
Dave Gilboa, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, confirmed the timeline in a statement included in the earnings report. He noted that the company looks forward to delivering customer orders during the holiday season, signaling that the hardware will be ready for immediate shipment following the pre-order window.
Intelligent Eyewear Launch Details
The announcement marks a significant milestone for Google’s hardware strategy. The company previously announced collaborations with Samsung, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster in 2025. These partnerships aim to bring Google’s new augmented and virtual reality software platform, Android XR, to a wider consumer market.
While Warby Parker has set a specific date for pre-orders, it has not disclosed the retail price of the devices. Interested consumers can currently sign up for in-store demonstration time slots to try the glasses before purchasing. This approach allows potential buyers to assess the fit and functionality of the hardware in a physical retail environment.
Gentle Monster, another key partner in the Intelligent Eyewear initiative, is also set to sell the devices. However, Gentle Monster has only provided a vague fall window for availability, leaving the November 12 date specific to Warby Parker’s initial rollout.
Android XR and Market Context
The new glasses will run an audio-focused version of Android XR. This platform features integrated cameras and provides easy access to Gemini, Google’s artificial intelligence assistant. Google showcased these initial models at this year’s Google I/O conference, highlighting their design and core capabilities.
Although Google has demonstrated more advanced augmented reality versions of its glasses, those features do not appear to be part of the initial launch lineup. The current focus remains on audio and basic camera functionality, which aligns with the current capabilities of the Android XR platform as it expands beyond the Samsung Galaxy XR headset.
The launch comes amid growing scrutiny of wearable camera technology. Previous iterations of smart glasses, such as the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, have faced criticism regarding privacy concerns. These issues have led to software updates from Meta and a general increase in public distrust toward face-worn cameras. Google’s approach, which similarly incorporates facial cameras, faces the same societal hurdles.
Engadget has contacted Google for clarification on whether the Gentle Monster designs will also be available for pre-order on November 12. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the specific launch schedule for its other partners.
Source: Engadget
