Sergey Brin Acknowledges Google Glass Mistakes, Highlights AI’s Role in Future Smart Glasses
Google co-founder Sergey Brin has openly admitted to missteps made during the initial Google Glass project. Speaking at Google I/O 2025 in a surprise appearance alongside Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, Brin acknowledged, “I made a lot of mistakes with Google Glass.” The conversation was moderated by Alex Kantrowitz of the Big Technology Podcast.
Specifically, Brin cited a lack of understanding regarding consumer electronic supply chains and the challenges of producing smart glasses at an affordable price point. Despite these past challenges, Brin remains optimistic about the potential of smart glasses. He expressed his enthusiasm for Google’s renewed efforts in the field, emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships to overcome previous hurdles.
Google recently revealed its latest venture into smart glasses, Android XR smart glasses, a decade after the original Google Glass project was discontinued. These new glasses, powered by DeepMind’s Project Astra, are designed to provide real-time assistance through live translations, directions, and AI-driven queries.
To bring these Android XR glasses to fruition, Google is collaborating with partners such as Samsung and Xreal. The company is also making a significant investment in Warby Parker, investing up to $150 million and acquiring an equity stake in the eyewear company. This strategic partnership aims to leverage Warby Parker’s expertise in eyewear design and manufacturing to address the supply chain challenges that plagued the original Google Glass.
Brin emphasized the transformative role of generative AI in making smart glasses more practical and useful than when Google Glass was first introduced. The advancements in AI provide compelling use cases that enhance the functionality and appeal of smart glasses.
In a related note, Brin mentioned his active involvement in Google’s Gemini efforts, effectively stepping out of retirement. He is now a regular presence at Google’s Mountain View office, contributing to multimodal projects like the video-generating model Veo 3.
“Anybody who’s a computer scientist should not be retired right now,” said Brin. “They should be working on AI.”
According to previous reports, Brin has been a driving force behind Google’s push to compete in the AI space, encouraging employees to spend more time in the office and dedicate significant hours to their work.
