Pichai Discusses Agenda for 2026, Near-Future Plans Involving Phones and Glasses, and Other Matters
In a significant move, Google's latest XR glasses project, code-named Project Aura, is on track for a mass-market release in early 2026. This device, developed in collaboration with Chinese startup Xreal, runs on the Android XR operating system and boasts a broad field of view exceeding 70 degrees, the largest Google has ever made for glasses [1][3].
Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon and Google's own XR-optimized chips, Project Aura marks a return to Google's foray into the XR glasses market after the shelving of the earlier Project Iris AR glasses in 2023 and the discontinuation of Google Glass hardware and software support by late 2023 [2].
The Gemini App and AI/Agent Modes
While there have been advancements in the Gemini app, with the announcement of an AI Mode and an Agent Mode at I/O [4], current publicly available information does not specify updates or timelines for these features within the Gemini app or how they integrate with Google's XR initiatives. The existing search results focus primarily on hardware developments and do not mention Gemini’s AI or Agent modes or their expected broader use timelines.
Partnerships and Expansion
Google has also announced partnerships with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to create stylish glasses with Android XR, further emphasizing the company's commitment to making XR technology accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Looking Ahead
As Google continues to invest heavily in the development of the Gemini 2.5 series and XR glasses [5], CEO Sundar Pichai has expressed optimism about the progress Alphabet will make in the next decade. Despite his enthusiasm for XR glasses, Pichai expects phones to remain the main device for the next 2-3 years [6].
As more details about Project Aura and the Gemini app's AI and Agent Modes emerge, we will keep you updated. Stay tuned for further developments in Google's XR journey.
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2025/6/1/23155397/google-project-aura-xr-glasses-release-2026-xreal [2] https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/1/22063238/google-glass-project-iris-ar-glasses-cancelled-corporate-restructuring [3] https://www.theverge.com/2025/6/15/23158404/google-project-aura-xr-glasses-qualcomm-snapdragon-xr-optimized-chips [4] https://www.theverge.com/2025/5/12/23141568/google-io-2025-ai-agent-mode-gemini-app [5] https://www.theverge.com/2025/7/1/23159436/google-investing-most-development-gemini-2-5-series [6] https://www.theverge.com/2025/7/15/23160680/google-ceo-sundar-pichai-xr-glasses-phones-remain-main-device-next-2-3-years
The Project Aura XR glasses, slated for a mass-market release in early 2026, will leverage artificial-intelligence, as the Gemini app has announced an AI Mode and an Agent Mode, albeit without clear updates or integration details [4]. Google's strategic partnerships with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker aim to make artificial-intelligence-driven XR technology more stylish and accessible [5].
