Google's Eyewear Partners Can't Keep A Lid On Its Smart Glasses Plans

Gentle Monster said its Android XR smart glasses will launch in December, with pre-orders opening November 12—the same date Warby Parker appeared to reveal earlier this week—though Google has not confirmed either date. Gentle Monster and Warby Parker are among Google's eyewear partners on the project, alongside Samsung, positioning the Android XR device as a rival to Meta's smart glasses and a revival of Google Glass. The Korean brand paired its announcement with a teaser for a short film directed by Jonathan Glazer and starring Joaquin Phoenix, with the full version due in mid-November. The launch matters because it marks Google's first serious return to smart glasses and gives Meta its first broad competitive challenge in the category. What to watch next: Google's official confirmation of launch and pricing details, and whether Samsung and Warby Parker stay on the same timeline.