Google and Xreal have partnered to unveil Project Aura, their cutting-edge Android-based extended reality (XR) smart glasses.
On Tuesday, CNBC reported that Google announced this innovative smart glasses project during their annual developer conference, Google I/O 2025, in Mountain View, California. Project Aura is the second Android XR operating system device launched last year after Samsung’s Project Moohan. The new device boasts Optical See-Through XR (OST XR) technology, setting it apart from its predecessors.
While specific details about the product remain under wraps, Xreal has confirmed that Aura will feature Qualcomm’s XR-optimized chipset. These smart glasses operate in a tethered mode, requiring connection to a separate device. However, industry insiders speculate that future iterations may evolve into standalone devices.
At first glance, Project Aura resembles ordinary sunglasses. However, a transparent display, camera, microphone, and buttons are built inside their sleek frame. Furthermore, they come integrated with Google’s advanced AI model, Gemini. This powerful combination enables users to access various functions, from real-time translation to navigation, all through simple voice commands.
Google and Xreal keep their cards close to the chest regarding Project Aura’s release date and pricing. CNBC predicts that the companies will likely introduce a developer headset first, paving the way for a consumer version later.
