Just following Google’s gigantic I/O event last week, Kering Eyewear revealed itself as a core partner enabling Google’s AndriodXR AR smart glasses future.
Kering is entering a partnership with Google to develop AI-powered smart glasses based on the Android XR framework.
Speaking on the paertnership Roberto Vedovotto, Founder, President, and CEO of Kering Eyewear said:
We are honored to share the values of innovation and forward thinking with Google, and we are proud to partner with them to explore new horizons for the future development of our company. Together, we are shaping a product that people will want to wear: a pair of masterfully designed, high-quality, stylish glasses that unlock the potential of artificial intelligence, while redefining the way of interacting with both the real and virtual worlds.
The partsnhip aims to debut AR smart glasses that integrate into a user’s everyday life via personalised AI-driven functions that react to a user’s environment.
Shahram Izadi, GM and VP of XR at Google also added:
We’ve always believed in blending cutting-edge technology with great user experiences. Integrating our immersive XR platform with Kering Eyewear’s iconic styles will give consumers the fashion and function to get the most out of Android XR.
Gemini AI Meets Immersive XR
At Google I/O last week, the leading technology company announced a range of new products, including expansions to its Gemini AI framework. This expansion is partly driven by Google’s AndroidXR initiative, which involves collaboration with various leaders in the XR industry to develop mixed reality and augmented reality devices that integrate immersive and AI technologies.
“That’s exactly why we’re building Android XR,” remarked Izadi during the event, who also said:
From headsets to glasses and everything in between. We believe there’s not a one size fits all for XR and you’ll use different devices throughout your day. For example, for watching movies, playing games, or getting work done, you’ll want an immersive headset. But when you’re on the go, you’ll want lightweight glasses that can give you timely information without reaching for your phone.
Izadi explained how the Android XR team works with Samsung and Qualcomm to create new Gemini AI use cases on emerging XR devices, such as the much-talked-about Moohan headset, “the first Android XR device,” Izadi noted.
Interestingly, Izadi said that Samsung’s Moohan headset “will be available for purchase later this year,” perhaps around the time Meta Connect kicks off, which is a hot time for XR hardware releases.
Google introduced Android XR, a new operating system specifically designed for extended reality, late last year. During the announcement, the company emphasised the importance of Gemini AI assistants in enhancing user interactions with headsets and their visual experiences.
Built on a familiar Android foundation, the XR operating system supports a variety of existing mobile and tablet applications, as well as content created specifically for Android XR. This development addresses a significant barrier to the broader adoption of XR technology: users need access to a diverse range of applications and engaging services to justify the investment in XR devices.
The Android XR operating system aims to advance the future of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality experiences on headsets and smart glasses. Currently, Android XR is in a preview stage for developers only, with a wider release expected in the future.
