smart glasses Archives

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Google AI Studio has learnt to create Android apps from a text query

Google has introduced a new feature in AI Studio that enables users to create native Android applications from text descriptions, automatically generating Kotlin code and using Jetpack Compose for the user interface. Developers can build Android apps directly in the browser without needing to install Android Studio or additional libraries. AI Studio includes a built-in Android Emulator for real-time testing and allows immediate installation of applications on Android devices via USB. Users can publish builds to Google Play's internal test track and export projects as ZIP archives or push them to GitHub. The service is ideal for developing simple utilities and applications that utilize various Android hardware features. Future updates will include support for Firebase and other tools.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Google is pushing Android app building into a faster, more agentic era

Google is introducing a streamlined workflow for Android app development through its AI Studio, which integrates native app building and reduces the time from concept to launch. At the I/O 2026 event, Google highlighted that developers can now create functional Kotlin code using natural-language prompts, access a browser-based emulator, and conduct internal testing without extensive setup. The AI Studio can generate production-quality native Android code via Jetpack Compose, allowing for in-browser previews and easy project transitions to the Internal Test Track. This initiative aims to enhance the developer ecosystem, particularly benefiting startups by minimizing early experimentation costs and enabling faster iterations. Google is also addressing developer loyalty by providing effective tooling that encourages developers to stay within its ecosystem. The AI Studio connects with Google Workspace and offers a mobile app for project iteration, positioning itself as a gateway for broader software projects. This evolution in Android development emphasizes a shift away from traditional setups towards an AI-assisted workflow, influencing the speed and adaptability of startups.

BetaBeacon

May 8, 2026

The Best Mobile Gaming Controllers for iPhone and Android (2026)

- The Backbone One is a mobile gaming controller that is easy to recommend and comfortable for long gaming sessions. - The Backbone Pro is an upgraded version of the Backbone One with additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity and programmable back buttons. - The ohsnap! Mcon Mobile Gaming Controller is a magnetic controller that attaches to the back of phones and has a unique design. - The GameSir G8 Galileo is a mobile gaming controller with a cradle style that holds smartphones and has Hall-effect sticks and triggers. - The Razer Kishi Ultra is a sliding controller designed for tablets and large phones with USB-C connectivity. - The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is a traditional mobile controller with a retro design, Hall-effect sticks, and customizable features. - The Gulikit KK3 Max is an upgraded version of the King Kong controller with Hall-effect joysticks and programmable buttons. - The Viture x 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is designed for smart glasses and offers a comfortable gaming experience.

BetaBeacon

March 6, 2026

Just gamin’: Meta Ray-Ban Display is getting games, and it’s GOAT and 2048 up first

Meta announced that two games, GOAT and 2048, are headed for its Ray-Ban Displays. Users can control these games "without controllers" using the EMG band and gestures, which reads muscle and hand movements to complete actions on the smart glasses.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Android App Alerts Users to Nearby Recording Smart Glasses

A newly launched Android application provides real-time notifications to users when nearby individuals are wearing smart glasses capable of audio or video recording. The app uses Bluetooth signals, device identifiers, and proximity detection to alert users, identify the type of device, and warn them of potential recording. This development raises concerns about public recording without consent and privacy in shared spaces. Supporters believe it enhances awareness and protects privacy, while critics point out potential inaccuracies in detection. The app aligns with Google's emphasis on user privacy and suggests a growing demand for clearer privacy indicators as wearable recording technology becomes more prevalent.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Hide from Meta’s spyglasses with this new Android app

An innovative Android application called Nearby Glasses, developed by Yves Jeanrenaud from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, alerts users about nearby smart glasses using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. The app detects manufacturer identifiers associated with smart eyewear, including Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, and notifies users when such glasses are in proximity. However, it may produce false positives due to other Bluetooth devices from the same manufacturer. The app's launch coincides with growing concerns about non-consensual recording, highlighted by incidents like a viral altercation on a New York subway involving smart glasses. Meta has stated that their glasses have an LED light that indicates when recording is occurring, but this indicator can be disabled. Legal experts warn that while video recording in public is generally allowed, collecting biometric data raises privacy concerns, and various state laws may require consent for audio recordings. Recent courtroom incidents have also underscored the contentious nature of wearable technology.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Wary of strangers recording you? This app warns you when smart glasses are nearby

A new Android application called Nearby Glasses, developed by Yves Jeanrenaud, alerts users when smart glasses are nearby by scanning for specific Bluetooth signatures. It is available on the Google Play Store and GitHub, functioning by identifying Bluetooth advertising frames from brands like Meta and Luxottica Group S.p.A. The app aims to address privacy concerns associated with smart glasses, particularly in light of reports about facial recognition technology being integrated into these devices. Jeanrenaud created the app to provide a countermeasure to surveillance technology, though he warns it may generate false positives with other devices that emit similar signals. The market for smart glasses is expanding, with companies like Google, Samsung, and Apple expected to enter the market.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Kakao, Google to partner on-device AI, smart glasses

Kakao Corp. is partnering with Google Inc. to enhance on-device AI services, integrating them with Google's upcoming AI glasses and expanding cloud infrastructure. Kakao's CEO, Chung Shina, highlighted the importance of collaboration with the Android development team to explore new on-device AI possibilities. The partnership distinguishes focuses for both companies, with Google working on device-based AI and Kakao collaborating with OpenAI for consumer-facing services. Kakao is advancing its on-device AI services, including “Kanana in KakaoTalk,” and is the only Korean company utilizing Google's tensor processing units for machine learning. Kakao's collaboration with OpenAI has resulted in over 8 million users for “ChatGPT for Kakao” within three months, with plans to enhance integration with KakaoTalk. In 2025, Kakao reported a 48% increase in operating profit to 732.0 billion won and a 3% rise in revenue to 8 trillion won.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Sneak peek: Google’s Android XR glasses app shows off AI features, camera, and display options

Google is developing two types of smart glasses: a lightweight, screen-free model in collaboration with fashion brands and a display-equipped version with hardware partners like Samsung and Magic Leap. A companion app for the glasses has been identified, featuring a pairing process and settings for power management and camera functionality. The app includes AI capabilities such as 'Conversation detection' to silence notifications during conversations, and it ensures that all recorded data remains private to the user. Additional features in the app allow for display adjustments and an "audio only mode."

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Google’s Android XR ‘Glasses’ app surfaces with quick look at camera, display settings [Gallery]

Google is developing Android XR glasses, evidenced by a new companion app in Android Canary builds with the package name “com.google.android.glasses.companion.” The app features a basic interface for setting up glasses and exploring purchasing options, although the purchase button is inactive. It includes functionalities for importing photos and videos via a built-in camera, with video capture available at 1080p and an experimental 3K mode. The app has a feature called “Conversation detection” that mutes notifications when the user is speaking, ensuring privacy by processing data on-device. Additional features include display settings like brightness control and an “audio-only” mode. The first Android XR glasses are expected to debut from Samsung in 2026, indicating a reliance on Google’s software for the hardware.