Google and Samsung Open Smart Glasses Preorders

Samsung and Google opened preorders on November 12 for Gemini-powered smart glasses developed with eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. General availability is scheduled for December 10 in the United States and South Korea, Samsung said. Prices start at $395 for Warby Parker models and range from $449 to $489 for Gentle Monster frames.

The collection, called Intelligent Eyewear, includes 30 variations: 16 Gentle Monster options across six frame styles and 14 Warby Parker options across three designs. Buyers can preorder through the eyewear brands’ online and retail channels. Samsung said demonstrations will begin on December 10 at seven Samsung Experience Stores in each launch country. Select Google Stores will also offer demonstrations, but Google will not sell the glasses directly at launch.

Samsung supplies the hardware, while Google provides the Android XR software and Gemini assistant. The glasses have no display in their lenses. Wearers can use voice commands or touch controls to ask Gemini about what the camera sees, request directions, translate text, manage notifications and handle calls or messages. Samsung also describes uses such as capturing a meeting...