Google Glass is making a comeback — with some 'strict limitations'

Google Glass AR Prototype
(Image credit: Google)

Google gave us a taste of its upcoming Google Glass successor, and its augmented reality (AR) smart glasses are now gearing up for small-scale public testing — without any photography and videography features.

According to a Google blog update, the search giant is planning to test its AR prototypes in the real world with a few dozen Googlers and other trusted testers. While they will include in-lens displays, microphones, and cameras, group product manager Justin Payne states "they'll have strict limitations." That means no privacy-intrusive photo or video capabilities, as the team is "taking it slow," which is likely due to the raging privacy controversy with the previous Google Glass.

As the update points out, Google will be focusing on testing the AR smart glasses' ability to translate real-world text and offer real-time translation and transcription. We got a glimpse at this during Google I/O 2022, but the public test will also offer experiences such as translating a menu. 

What's more, Google will also be testing AR navigation, such as showing users directions to a nearby coffee shop. The AR prototypes will be able to factor in weather and busy intersections, like Google Maps but on your face. 

Ensuring privacy

Back in 2013, Google Glass became a hot topic not just because of its innovations (and cyborg vibes), but also because of its privacy concerns. At the time, the idea of people roaming the streets with a wearable camera on their faces was enough for a Seattle bar to ban its patrons from wearing the headset. Activist groups such as "Stop The Cyborgs" encouraged establishments to place bans on Google Glass usage. 

It's clear the smart glasses didn't catch on, and as Payne points out, "we want to get this right, so we’re taking it slow, with a strong focus on ensuring the privacy of the testers and those around them."

"Our AR prototypes don’t support photography or videography, though image data will be used to enable use cases like navigation, translation and visual search," the post states. "After the experience is completed, the image data is deleted, except if the image data will be used for analysis and debugging. In that case, the image data is first scrubbed for sensitive content, including faces and license plates."

With Ray-Ban Stories and Snap Spectacles now hitting the scene, both with cameras and audio to capture everything you see, Google's AR prototypes may see more positive recognition this time around.

The smart glasses don't have a release date yet, and there's no telling when they may officially arrive to the public. In the meantime, check out our Razer Anzu Smart Glasses review

Darragh Murphy
Editor

Darragh Murphy is fascinated by all things bizarre, which usually leads to assorted coverage varying from washing machines designed for AirPods to the mischievous world of cyberattacks. Whether it's connecting Scar from The Lion King to two-factor authentication or turning his love for gadgets into a fabricated rap battle from 8 Mile, he believes there’s always a quirky spin to be made. With a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from The University of Sheffield, along with short stints at Kerrang! and Exposed Magazine, Darragh started his career writing about the tech industry at Time Out Dubai and ShortList Dubai, covering everything from the latest iPhone models and Huawei laptops to massive Esports events in the Middle East. Now, he can be found proudly diving into gaming, gadgets, and letting readers know the joys of docking stations for Laptop Mag.  

Read more
Man wearing Google Glass
Google may ressurect the most loathed smart glasses ever — and I couldn't be happier
Black and white photo of a man with mustache wearing AR smart glasses and a hoodie.
Smart glasses make me look like the Unabomber, but that's a you problem in 2025
an apple logo on a black background
Apple's vision for AR glasses haven't been totally scrapped yet
Photograph of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
This major Meta Ray-Ban rumor has me amped for the future of smart glasses
Halliday DigiWindow smart glasses display tech
Heads-up: A new smart glasses trend is taking over CES 2025
Halliday AI Glasses split into components with a white outline on a purple to blue gradient backdrop.
These AI smart glasses just blew away my favorite Ray-Ban Meta frames at CES 2025
Latest in VR
Man wearing Google Glass
Google may ressurect the most loathed smart glasses ever — and I couldn't be happier
Project Moohan mixed reality headset
Samsung's Vision Pro alternative may bury its best feature under a ridiculous price tag
Picture of a Valve VR headset (Index) on the Valve Index logo with the words Valve Deckard appearing on a blue backdrop.
Valve's Deckard VR headset sounds like a Steam Deck with a head strap, and that's a very good thing
Photo of VITURE Pro XR Glasses on a desk.
These AR glasses brought my guilty pleasure back from the dead, and it's straight-up wizardry
Image of XREAL Air 2 AR glasses, wearable displays that use bird bath optics to superimpose content into your field of vision, in red showing a 3/4 rear view of the optics and frames on a teal backdrop with the words 'XREAL Air 2' repeated in the background.
You should swap your work or gaming monitor for a pair of AR glasses, and I'm not joking
Apple Vision Pro EyeSight
Apple reveals new Vision Pro features, one stands out above the rest
Latest in News
WWDC 2025 could mark the beginning of the end for certain iPhone users
Error when installing Google Chrome on the Asus Vivobook 16 Flip, on a white desk against a blue background.
"This app can't run on your PC": Google's Chrome Installer broke on Windows, but there's a fix
Nintendo Switch 2 handheld gaming console
Nintendo Switch 2 preorder date: It might be a lot closer than you think, say tipsters
Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition, 2024)
Windows-on-Arm woes: Amazon warns customers about Surface laptop returns
Apple Watch Series 8
Siri is the biggest obstacle to making the Apple Watch an AI hit
The Lenovo Legion Go S in hand running Death's Door in front of a wood table
The Lenovo Legion Go S is a Z1 Extreme trap you'll want to avoid — Here's why