Meet Martha, Google’s Android XR-Powered Prototype Glasses
At this year’s Google I/O event, Google showcased its first-ever smart glasses running on the Android XR platform. These glasses, known internally as “Martha,” feature a built-in camera, microphone, and a small prism on the right lens that displays useful information such as the time and temperature. Much like Meta’s anticipated smart glasses, Martha aims to blend augmented reality (AR) seamlessly with everyday use.
Recently, app developer Sayed Ali Alkamel shared a photo on Instagram revealing the internal codename and some features of these glasses. The companion app includes settings such as Notifications, Settings, and a “Record your view” option. The latter likely allows wearers to record what they see, while the Notifications feature helps users stay updated with their latest alerts. Although details remain limited, these clues hint at a user-friendly and interactive experience.
Features and Capabilities of Martha Smart Glasses
During the Google I/O event, it was revealed that Martha’s temples are touch-enabled, allowing users to interact with the device easily. This interface can wake up Gemini, Google’s multimodal AI assistant, which can identify objects, provide additional information, and even translate conversations in real-time. Thus, the glasses promise a powerful blend of AI and AR technology to enhance everyday life. However, Google has yet to confirm whether Martha will move beyond the prototype phase or become commercially available.
Future Prospects for Android XR Devices
Although Martha is Google’s first Android XR device, it might not be the only one launching soon. Samsung is reportedly developing its own XR headset, codenamed Project Moohan, expected to debut in September. This headset will compete with Apple’s Vision Pro and will use Qualcomm’s XR2 Plus Gen 2 chipset. Therefore, the coming months could see an exciting expansion in the XR ecosystem, with multiple companies bringing innovative devices to market.
For now, Martha remains a glimpse into Google’s vision for AR glasses powered by Android XR, with promising features that could shape the future of wearable technology.
