Android XR glasses app could sway buyers away from Meta Ray-Bans

A simple app may decide the smart glasses race

Google's Intelligent Eyewear glasses run on Android XR, and their companion app may matter as much as the hardware itself. That is the view of 9to5Google, whose writer tried the glasses and their software for the first time and came away impressed by the app rather than the frames.

According to the report, the Glasses app is available on Android and Pixel phones, iPhones, and Samsung Galaxy devices. The writer argues that this straightforward utility, rather than the glasses alone, is what could push buyers away from Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, which dominate the smart glasses market.

What the Glasses app does

The app opens with an overview of the glasses, showing their connection and battery status. Below that sit settings for Gemini, apps, the camera and more. Google has also included explanations of what the various lights on the frames mean, along with tutorials.

9to5Google describes the experience as free of clutter, calling it a utility for adjusting or controlling the glasses when needed. The outlet notes that the version it saw was not completely final, so the finished app may differ.

Fast photo imports, slower video

Media transfer is likely to be the most used feature. Google has set the app to import photos from the glasses almost in real time. According to 9to5Google, a photo takes about 4 seconds to arrive, and the process starts immediately.

Videos work differently. They take longer and may need to be imported by hand, which Google reportedly said is partly to protect battery life. The outlet cautions that real-world performance still needs to be seen outside a controlled setting.

Small differences on iPhone and Galaxy

The app is not identical on every platform. 9to5Google reports that the iPhone version does not import photos as quickly as the Android one. Samsung ships its own version of the app, styled to match the One UI design language used on Galaxy phones.

Despite those differences, the outlet says the core idea is the same across all three platforms: a plain control panel for the glasses with no extra clutter.

Why the Meta comparison matters

The comparison with Meta is central to the report. Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, and its newer Meta Glasses, lead the smart glasses conversation. In early 2025, Meta replaced its dedicated View app for the glasses with a Meta AI app.

The 9to5Google writer argues this change made simple tasks, such as adjusting a setting or importing a photo, feel like an obstacle course around an AI chatbot. The writer also points to Meta's wider push of AI features into Facebook and Instagram search. These judgements are the author's personal opinions rather than measured findings, but they reflect a frustration some users have voiced about AI being built into everyday tools.

Price and availability

Separate coverage linked in the report states that Google's Intelligent Eyewear glasses start at $395, with pre-orders open and shipping set for 10 December. The report also notes that the price can rise quickly with add-ons.

For buyers weighing Android XR glasses against Meta Ray-Bans, the software experience may prove a genuine differentiator. If Google keeps the app as lean as described, it could win over people who find Meta's AI-centred app intrusive. Whether that advantage holds after launch will depend on the final software and everyday reliability.