Android XR preview shows off Magic Leap glasses made in partnership with Google
**What You Need to Know: Google and Magic Leap’s Partnership to Build Android XR Smart Glasses**
Google and Magic Leap are continuing their partnership to develop next-generation Android XR smart glasses. As part of this collaboration, Magic Leap will create prototype and reference designs for these advanced AR devices. Together, the two companies are integrating cutting-edge display technologies to craft glasses that are both stylish and highly functional.
Magic Leap, a recognized leader in augmented reality (AR) optics and display technology, first joined forces with Google in 2024. Now, at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) event, Magic Leap unveiled a prototype and reference design for Android XR glasses, while also announcing an extension of their partnership with Google for another three years.
This event marked the first public showing of Android XR smart glasses since Google I/O, where the devices were initially demoed. The reference glasses feature Google’s Raxium microLED light engine combined with Magic Leap’s waveguides and optics technology, delivering crisp and clear visuals directly in the lens.
At this stage, it is unclear whether Magic Leap or Google plan to release these Android XR smart glasses commercially. For now, they serve as prototypes and reference designs intended to inspire and support other manufacturers in the space. However, Magic Leap’s role as an “AR ecosystem partner” with Google suggests there may be potential for future consumer products stemming from this collaboration.
Shahram Izadi, Vice President of Google XR, commented on the partnership:
“Magic Leap’s optics, display systems, and hardware expertise have been essential to advancing our Android XR glasses concepts to life. We’re fortunate to collaborate with a team whose years of hands-on AR development uniquely set them up to help shape what comes next.”
In addition to working with Google, Magic Leap is also collaborating with other partners to develop AR glasses based on its current concept designs.
### A Glimpse into the Future of Android XR Glasses
It remains difficult to directly compare these new reference Android XR glasses to the demos shown at Google I/O, or to consumer products like the Meta Ray-Ban Display — which recently launched AR glasses equipped with waveguide displays.
Nonetheless, Google’s partnerships with companies such as Gentle Monster, Warby Parker, and now Magic Leap underscore a strong focus on design, style, and display quality.
Izadi added:
“What makes this prototype stand out is how natural it feels to look through. Magic Leap’s precision in optics and waveguide design gives the display a level of clarity and stability that’s rare in AR today. That consistency is what makes it possible to seamlessly blend physical and digital vision, so users’ eyes stay relaxed and the experience feels comfortable.”
As developments continue, these collaborations could help shape a new generation of AR glasses that deliver both immersive digital experiences and everyday wearability. Stay tuned for more updates on Android XR smart glasses as this exciting technology evolves.
https://www.androidcentral.com/wearables/magic-leap-is-working-with-google-to-make-prototype-android-xr-glasses
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