Google and Samsung’s Gemini smart glasses go on preorder from $395

Google and Samsung have opened preorders for their first Gemini smart glasses, made with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. The nine styles cost $395 to $489, have a 12-megapixel camera and ship on 10 December. Google is stressing privacy features as it takes on Meta.

Google and Samsung have opened preorders for their first Gemini-powered smart glasses, Bloomberg reported. The glasses, made with eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, ship on 10 December.

There are nine styles. Gentle Monster’s six cost $449 to $489, while Warby Parker’s three start at $395. Buyers order through the two brands’ websites and stores, and some Google and Samsung stores will offer demos.

All styles weigh around 41 grams and last up to nine hours on a charge, Google said in a blog post. They run on a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 chip, have a 12-megapixel camera and work with iPhones and some Pixel and Galaxy phones. Warby Parker’s models launch only in the US, while Gentle Monster’s also go on sale in South Korea, Samsung said.

Users can say “Hey Gemini” to ask about what they are looking at, add a flyer to their calendar or get recipe ideas from the food in front of them. The glasses also offer walking directions, live translation, music and calls.

Google is leaning on privacy. The camera stops working if its recording light is covered, and bystanders’ faces are blurred before Gemini sees an image. Users must be 18 or over and agree not to film people without permission, or their glasses can be disabled.

“As glasses become more capable, our focus is on creating helpful experiences that make both wearers and bystanders feel protected,” said Shahram Izadi, who leads Google’s XR unit.

Google first showed the glasses at I/O in May, and Samsung showed them again in July. They now face Meta, which shipped 81% of AI glasses in the first half of the year and sells own-brand glasses from $299.

Meta’s own recording light has been beaten by a $2 sticker, and Google has banned such accessories from its shopping and ad platforms.