I’m so excited by these new updates from Google on XR headsets and glasses for 2026

Today, during The Android Show: XR Edition, Google gave us a glimpse of that future of XR headsets – both VR and AR – and it all looks pretty incredible.

Not only are we getting massive feature drops for the Samsung Galaxy XR headset today, but Google also pulled back the curtain on the next wave of devices coming in 2026, including the AI smart glasses I’ve been extremely excited for.

Galaxy XR gets a massive productivity boost today

First, let’s talk about the here and now. If you picked up the Samsung Galaxy XR headset launched last month, your device is getting significantly more capable, starting today. Here are the new things being added right away:

• PC Connect (Beta): This is the feature I’ve been waiting for. You can now link your Windows PC to the headset to pull up your desktop or stream PC games side-by-side with Android apps. It’s a huge win for productivity (and gaming).
• Travel Mode: Finally, you can turn a cramped flight into a personal cinema or workspace with a stable view, even when the plane is moving.
• Likeness (Beta): To make video calls less awkward, you can now create a realistic digital avatar that mirrors your facial expressions and hand gestures in real-time.

Stylish AI glasses are coming next year

While the headset updates are great, what really has me excited is where this ecosystem is going next. Google confirmed it is working with partners like Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker to launch lightweight, stylish AI glasses next year. They are working on two distinct types:

1. Screen-free AI glasses: Think audio and cameras for chatting with Gemini and taking photos (similar to what we’ve seen in the past year or so with Meta and Ray-Ban).
2. Display AI glasses: These will add an in-lens display for things like turn-by-turn navigation and live translation captions right in your line of sight.

Wired XR is coming too

Google also showed off Project Aura from XREAL, a new set of wired XR glasses coming next year. These offer a portable, 70-degree field of view that layers digital content over the real world—perfect for following a recipe while cooking or fixing an appliance with visual guides.

The future of Android XR isn’t just one heavy headset; it’s a whole ecosystem of devices that fit different needs. If today’s announcements are any indication, 2026 is going to be a wild year for XR across the board!