Nothing seems ready to expand beyond aesthetically niche phones into AI smart glasses. The company initially rejected the idea, but has since opened up to developing more devices as companies like Google and Samsung plan glasses under the Android XR umbrella.
According to a report from Bloomberg that cites unnamed industry sources, Nothing has plans to release AI smart glasses in 2027. Prior to that launch window in the first half of next year, the company is still expected to stay on target for more familiar devices, like new earbuds and phones.
The report indicates that Nothing’s AI glasses would house a microphone, speakers, and cameras. There’s nothing stating that the glasses would offer a display. As new as a first-generation device would be for the smartphone manufacturer, this is completely understandable.
Bloomberg says Nothing’s AI smart glasses are expected to “rely on smartphones and the cloud to handle AI processing,” which implies a connected device with an internet connection is needed. It could also mean that Nothing plans to position the glasses as a proprietary companion to its phones. There’s little information to predict either.
Carl Pei reportedly initially resisted the idea, according to those insider sources. The CEO has since come around to the idea and has told employees that the company is focused on expanding to more devices beyond what it currently offers.
The company currently only produces audio devices and Android phones, like its recently announced Nothing Phone 4(a). But the types of phones it produces offer a very unique look, with LED strips strewn across the phones and unique camera setups with rear-facing displays.
If Nothing were to develop smart glasses built on an AI assistant/agent, it’d be expected that their design fits into the mold laid by previous releases. That certainly means the market gains a little variety with what could only be a unique look. The market has historically – no matter how short that history is – been utilitarian. Meta only recently announced several new designs to pad out its look options.
Of course, there are other entries on the Android XR side of things planned. Samsung’s “Galaxy Glasses” were recently leaked following continued reports of Google’s own Android XR glasses teasers. Nothing’s iteration sounds incredibly similar, following reports that Google’s glasses will carry similar hardware. The differentiator will be AI implementation. Android XR will utilize Gemini.
Sources have remained quiet on design and software. And as for what the “AI” in these AI smart glasses looks like, Nothing’s more recent outlook on using AI agents as opposed to assistants may leave some clues.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments