TL;DR
- Google and Magic Leap showed off a new prototype of Android XR glasses at the FII event in Riyadh.
- The demo builds on previous versions, such as Google Martha, and shows Gemini identifying objects and offering real-time assistance.
- Magic Leap has extended its partnership with Google by three years and will act as an AR ecosystem partner, rather than a hardware manufacturer.
It’s only been a week since Samsung kicked off the Android XR era with its Galaxy XR headphones, but Google is already looking beyond the bulky headphones to something much lighter. At the Future Investment Initiative (FII) event in Riyadh, Google and Magic Leap showed off a new Android XR glasses prototype – the first time we’ve seen Google’s glasses concept on stage since I/O in the summer.
As reported by Android CenterThe two companies also confirmed that they have extended their partnership for another three years. Magic Leap first partnered with Google in 2024, combining its optics and manufacturing expertise with Google’s artificial intelligence and display technology.
I don’t want to miss the best of Android Authority?
According Magic Leap Press ReleaseThe glasses shown at FII serve as a prototype and reference design for the broader Android XR ecosystem. They combine Magic Leap waveguides and optics with Google’s Raxium microLED light engine to deliver sharper images in a frame light enough to wear all day. Google XR VP Shahram Izadi said the precision of Magic Leap’s optics helps digital overlays feel naturally anchored in the real world.
He on stage manifestation build about what we have already seen in previous prototypesas Google Martha, showing how Gemini AI could analyze the scene in front of you and respond instantly. The glasses have built-in cameras, microphones, and screens that allow you to ask questions about whatever you’re looking at. One example showed how you could walk down a street and ask questions about the architecture or nearby shops, and the answers would appear directly in your view. Another showed Gemini helping to choose a rug in a store, analyzing patterns and suggesting which one might suit her style.
The glasses even offered some golf tips after a bad shot, showing how AI could be integrated into everyday activities in a way that feels more natural than talking on a phone or headphones.
Magic Leap says it doesn’t plan to sell its own glasses, but instead act as an “AR ecosystem partner” that helps companies like Google bring consumer-ready devices to market. The prototype doesn’t look radically different from the versions Google showed off earlier this year, but it’s safe to assume that the Android XR glasses are getting closer to reality.
Thank you for being part of our community. Please read our Comment Policy before posting.
