Google appears to be laying the groundwork for smart glasses integration in Android Auto. The app’s latest beta update has dropped hints about an upcoming feature that could bring navigation directions right into a driver’s field of view. That sounds pretty exciting, right.
Android Auto app codes suggest future smart glasses integration
As spotted by 9to5Google and Android Authority in their respective teardowns, Android Auto app version 14.2.151544 contains newly added strings of code suggesting a “Glasses” option. Specifically, the setting reads:
Start navigation to launch Glasses
The English phrasing is somewhat vague. But the Hindi version translates more clearly to: “To view navigation on smart glasses, start navigation.” This strongly implies that Google is preparing to support navigation output on smart eyewear — potentially part of its larger Android XR efforts.
स्मार्ट ग्लास पर नेविगेशन देखने के लिए, नेविगेशन शुरू करें
Android Auto tries to cut down distractions by keeping things like maps and messages easy to see while driving. Smart glasses could make this even better by showing directions right when you need them. Instead of looking over at your car’s screen, you might see directions in front of you. These could pop up right in your line of sight through the smart glasses.
We still don’t know exactly which devices will support this feature. But it’s arriving just as the XR race is starting to heat up. Google recently showed off a prototype of smart glasses, and Samsung’s already working on its own.
Samsung’s smart glasses, internally codenamed “HAEAN,” are expected to be announced before the end of the year. The company is reportedly working on challenges like making sure the glasses fit a wide range of face shapes comfortably and adding touch-free controls using hand gestures, made possible by built-in cameras and sensors.
On top of that, reports suggest the smart glasses might include Qualcomm’s AR1 chipset, a 12MP Sony IMX681 camera, and a 155mAh battery. It could weigh around 50 grams. They’re also rumored to feature AI capabilities powered by Google’s Gemini LLM, offering functions like QR code payments, gesture controls, and even human recognition.
