Here is how you will control and navigate Android XR glasses in 2026

Changing virtual reality forever, Google is developing Android XR glasses software to be compatible with its new in-house prototypes and fellow VR hardware like Samsung Galaxy XR headset, Project Aura Smart Glasses, and possibly even Sony gaming goggles.

Rivalling Meta Ray-Bans and Apple Vision Pro, Google intends to support its loyal Android customers with some of the most ambitious designs to date.

But with the software being available later this year, there’s still a level of uncertainty about how they will operate.

So, to clear things up, here is exactly how you will control and navigate Android XR glasses in 2026.

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How Android XR glasses will work in 2026

While it has yet to release plans for turning its own prototypes into market-ready technology, Google is mandating that products intending to use Android XR glasses will need to have three toggles.

A touchpad on the side of the frame will control play/pause functions (like tapping on an AirPod), volume adjustments, swipe controls, and Gemini interactions (holding it down like you would on a phone).

The mandate also means the likes of the upcoming Amazon smart glasses will need to have a camera, a touch control pad, and a power button.

After that, the design is up to the manufacturers.

But Android XR glasses will have a lot more functionality when it comes to software.

Mimicking your phone screen, the VR eyewear will all have a home screen that can be customized with your chosen widgets. Most of these will appear on a bottom bar, so you can easily shift your eyeline back onto what’s in front of you.

Notifications will pop up on a pill, while apps have undergone an overhaul from what you see on your phone, using only colors that don’t use much power, like soft greens.

Mainly, they will operate in a similar fashion to other products like the Meta Ray-Bans, but powered by Gemini and Google’s trusted team of designers.

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Google Android XR glasses price and release date

The Google Android XR glasses are set to release in 2026, although some products are already on the market, awaiting the software.

Project Aura by Xreal (expected to be over $1,000) is the first wearable product that will boast Android XR glasses software, which can already be purchased in Early Access and will be updated with Google’s AI hub in the coming months.

The Samsung Galaxy XR headset ($1,799) is also launching this year, and although it will be a goggle, it will serve as a test for future products from the brand.

Although most of these products are expected to be bundled with Google AI Pro, if needed, they can be bought for $26 a month and will increase the capability of the software.

Google glasses vs Meta Ray-Bans and Apple Vision Pro

Google is starting behind the eight ball, with Apple Vision Pro already being used to complete complex surgeries and control robots.

But, where Apple Vision Pro has yet to be transformed into sleek eyewear, the likes of Samsung Galaxy will be able to test it out on all kinds of products once it has been debuted in its headset this year – the brand has smart glasses already, so it will be a quick transition.

The Android XR glasses will also be able to capitalize on Gemini’s increasingly effective controls, setting it apart from Apple, whose own AI is being swallowed by Google.

Meta Ray-Bans are by far the closest competitor, with its designer frames being popular with Silicon Valley gurus.

When it boils down to how effective these glasses are, it will be years before they are adopted by the masses and judged accordingly.

But compatible eyewear supported by Android XR glasses software appears to be well-positioned to lead this new tech wave.

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