I tried Google's secret smartglasses, and they're all set to be spectacular

You're going to have to take my word for this. I tried Google's AI Glasses at MWC 2026, but because they are prototypes, I wasn't able to take any photos of the hardware.

It's understandable, if a bit weird.

Understandable, because if you see the smartglasses demoed at MWC, they aren't the production versions.

But it's weird because if you've seen glasses photographed at Google I/O and CES 2026, then they're very similar, just a bit more refined.

This aside, I can tell you all about how they work, and based on my experience, other brands launching smartglasses in 2026 should be pretty worried about Google's plans.

Using the prototypes

Comfort is paramount

The smartglasses I tried were not the final versions from Google and its partnerships with Gentle Monster or Warby Parker, but even without these names onboard, the hardware felt great.

I had no concerns about weight, size, or balance at all. The glasses fitted comfortably, didn't weigh down on the bridge of my nose, and Google had adapted the lenses for my prescription, meaning I could see what was on-screen easily.

The screen is central in your vision and in color. The prototype's display wasn't all that bright, but it was still visible in the small demo booth, with plenty of natural light coming in from full-length windows.

This is the one area I would want to see some improvement in the final version, as although indoors the screen was fine, I'm not sure how visible it would be in bright sunlight outdoors.

We're still months from the official launch, so this isn't a concern just yet.

Trying out Gemini Live

Natural conversation

The Google AI Glasses put Gemini Live on your face, and if you've used Gemini Live on your phone via the Google Pixel Buds 2 Pro , then you have a head start (if you'll forgive the pun) on the experience.

A two-second long tap on the smartglasses' arm activated Gemini Live, and using the camera in the frames, it was able to not only instantly, but also accurately describe what it was "seeing."

It talked me through an album cover and the artist, plus told me who painted a piece of artwork, all while I used very ordinary, natural language.

This is Gemini Live's strength. You can talk to it just like you would another person, and it's very good at understanding you.

Google Maps is amazing

Making navigation easy

By far the most impressive demo was Google Maps.

I showed Gemini a picture of the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona using the smartglasses' camera, and asked it for some general information about the location, and also to get there.

It answered my questions, then started walking directions to Camp Nou.

What's special is when you're looking ahead and out in front of you, you see caption-style directions with an arrow and a distance marker. However, look down slightly, and this view changes to map-style directions.

What makes this useful is you don't need to stare at your feet to see the map, and it stays in your peripheral vision. Look up, such as at a road sign or another point of interest, and your view is not obscured by a big map.

It's a really clever, well-thought-out implementation of navigation in smartglasses. It keeps you present, avoids the need to hold and look at your phone, and doesn't intrude on the real world.

Google's expertise in UI, in addition to Maps, is obvious when you use it.

Giving it time

Not rushing may be the best thing

Based on my experience, there's little that stands in Google's way from releasing its smartglasses in the near future, even with a polished version of the prototype hardware. So why is it taking so long?

There could be a few reasons. I noticed during my demo, Gemini and my inputs on the smartglasses were being monitored, at the very least, by an "operator," showing it's still pushing ahead with development and ensuring everything works without a problem. Certainly, my demo was faultless.

Furthermore, partners Gentle Monster and Warby Parker need time to develop frames suitable for smartglasses. Neither will want to send out frames which don't reflect the brand's design, fit, or comfort standards.

If Google is still finalizing the software, the frame manufacturers are also likely to be taking their time to get things right.

Google has already had a go at defining smart eyewear, and it didn't work out the way it hoped. It will want its second big effort to be far more successful.

From what I experienced at MWC 2026, Google's next AI Glasses have the potential to show the rest of the wearable tech world how it's done.

I'm just sorry I can't show you the hardware yet.