By Max L Wilson
Publication Date: 2026-01-16 13:48:00
It’s been over a decade since Google Glass smart glasses were announced in 2013, only to be quickly withdrawn – in part due to low adoption. Their subsequent (and lesser-known) second iteration was released in 2017 and was aimed at the workplace. They were withdrawn in 2023.
In December 2025, Google made a new promise for smart glasses – releasing two new products in 2026. But why are Google smart glasses struggling where others are succeeding? And will Google be successful the third time around?
Developments in wearable technology over the last decade clearly show that successful products are built into things that people already like to wear: watches, rings, bracelets and glasses.
These are the types of accessories that have evolved over centuries and are now considered normal in society.
Some of the latest academic research is taking this approach, building sensors into jewelry that people actually want to wear. Research…