TL;DR
- Google and Magic Leap demonstrated a new Android XR glasses prototype at the FII event in Riyadh.
- The demo builds on earlier versions, such as Google Martha, showing Gemini identifying objects and providing real-time assistance.
- Magic Leap has extended its partnership with Google for three years and will act as an AR ecosystem partner rather than a hardware manufacturer.
It’s only been a week since Samsung launched the Android XR era with its Galaxy XR headset, but Google is already looking beyond bulky headsets to something much lighter. At the Future Investment Initiative (FII) event in Riyadh, Google and Magic Leap showed off a new prototype Android XR glasses – the first time we’ve seen Google concept glasses on stage since I/O this summer.
As reported Android Centerthe two companies also confirmed that they have extended their partnership for another three years. Magic Leap first partnered with Google in 2024, combining its optical and manufacturing know-how with Google’s AI and display technology.
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According to Magic Leap press releaseThe glasses shown at FII serve as both a prototype and reference design for the broader Android XR ecosystem. They blend Magic Leap’s waveguides and optics with Google’s Raxium microLED lighting engine to deliver sharper visuals in a frame bright enough to wear all day. Shahram Izadi, vice president of Google XR, said the precision of Magic Leap’s optics helps digital overlays feel naturally grounded in the real world.
THE on stage demo built on what we have already seen on previous prototypessuch as Google Martha, showing how Gemini AI could analyze the scene in front of you and respond instantly. The glasses have cameras, microphones, and screens built into the lens that let you ask questions about whatever you’re looking at. One example shows how you can walk down a street and ask questions about the architecture or nearby stores, with the answers appearing right in your view. Another shows Gemini helping you choose a rug in a store by analyzing the patterns and suggesting what might match your style.
The glasses even offered some golf advice after a bad shot, showing how AI could integrate into everyday activities in a more natural way than talking to your phone or headset.
Magic Leap says it doesn’t intend to sell its own glasses, but rather act as an “AR ecosystem partner” helping companies like Google bring ready-to-use devices to market. The prototype doesn’t look radically different from the versions Google showed off earlier this year, but it’s safe to assume that the Android XR glasses are getting closer to the real thing.
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