Kering Eyewear and Google Team Up to Create AI-Powered Android XR Smart Glasses
In the wake of Google’s recent I/O developer conference, Kering Eyewear has emerged as a strategic collaborator in Google’s vision for the future of extended reality (XR) devices. The luxury eyewear subsidiary of Kering Group announced its involvement as a key partner in the development of smart glasses that will leverage Google’s Android XR platform and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
This collaboration marks a significant move by Kering Eyewear into the high-tech space, aligning its fashion-forward eyewear designs with advanced AR and AI functionality. The aim is to co-create a new generation of smart glasses that blend cutting-edge immersive technology with the kind of premium aesthetics for which Kering brands are known. The upcoming devices are expected to offer users intelligent, real-time interactions through wearable technology that seamlessly integrates with their daily routines.
The Android XR project, which Google unveiled more prominently during its recent I/O event, is a cornerstone of the company’s broader XR ambitions. The platform has been designed to serve as a flexible operating system for both augmented and virtual reality devices. By working with established leaders across the eyewear and tech industries, Google hopes to craft a range of devices—from headsets to lightweight glasses—that are tailored for various uses and environments.
The partnership with Kering Eyewear specifically focuses on developing smart glasses that are not only functional but also stylish and wearable in everyday contexts. These glasses will incorporate personalised, AI-driven features capable of responding dynamically to a user’s environment, providing information and assistance without the need for smartphones or handheld devices. By embedding AI into the user experience, the goal is to make the technology as natural and intuitive as possible.
Google’s XR division, led by General Manager and Vice President Shahram Izadi, is spearheading the effort to bring Android XR to market. According to the company, the collaboration with Kering is part of a larger ecosystem that includes other major players like Samsung and Qualcomm. These partners are already working on hardware solutions that will showcase Android XR’s full capabilities.
One such product is the Moohan headset, which Google identified as the first Android XR device. The Moohan headset is expected to launch later in the year, coinciding with other major industry events, such as Meta Connect. It is anticipated to serve as a benchmark device that will demonstrate the power and versatility of Android XR when paired with AI assistants from Google’s Gemini framework.
The Android XR platform, first introduced at the end of last year, is built upon the existing Android operating system. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of mobile and tablet applications while also enabling developers to create new experiences tailored for extended reality environments. With the platform still in its preview phase, a broader rollout is expected as the ecosystem matures and more devices enter the market.
At the heart of this initiative is Google’s belief that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to XR. While immersive headsets may be preferred for entertainment or productivity, lightweight smart glasses, such as those in development with Kering, are positioned as ideal for everyday use. The inclusion of fashion-centric design elements through Kering’s expertise seeks to overcome one of the common barriers to adoption: wearability and user comfort.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment between Google and Kering Eyewear to push the boundaries of how people engage with both the physical and digital worlds. As AI continues to evolve, the combination of technological innovation and luxury design is poised to reshape the landscape of wearable devices, offering consumers new ways to experience and interact with their surroundings.
