Acer enters smart glasses market with AI and AR models targeting Meta and Apple

Acer Says Hey, We Can Do Smart Glasses Too

Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps A lot of smart glasses are flooding into 2026, and another company is joining the fray. Acer, the computer maker, on Friday announced two models coming later in the year. Based on their descriptions, expect one to be like the Meta Ray-Ban glasses, and the other more like what TCL, Xreal and Viture offer for plug-in display glasses. Acer's $500 AR Vision GR0 glasses promise "augmented reality," but sound exactly like other display-enabled plug-in glasses on the market: more like headphones for your eyes. They have 1080p micro OLED displays and built-in speakers, weigh 69 grams (about average for the landscape), but there's no mention of other display customizations like Xreal and Viture offer. In comparison, there are other display glasses that cost just $300 made by TCL and, soon, Xreal. Meanwhile, Acer's $300 G10 AI Glasses have a camera, microphones and speakers like most other smart glasses on the market, and no displays. Acer promises an AI assistant "powered by Google Gemini," which sounds like a custom AI that draws on a Gemini model like Rokid's glasses have, as opposed to full Gemini access like Google's upcoming glasses. Acer's AspireSync companion app, which is what the glasses pair with, will work on Android and iOS. But the glasses look, in early photos, a lot clunkier than other competitors. Acer's entry into smart glasses is a reminder that the market's getting flooded fast, but the real missing piece is still better software to allow phones to work better with them, and better connections with AI tools actually being used everywhere else. Google's wave of glasses this fall should begin to address this, and Apple's glasses rumored for next year could too.

A popular laptop maker is taking on the Ray-Ban Meta with a pair of smartglasses

Acer, a company best known for its laptops, has launched two pairs of smartglasses and both will be available in the US later this year. Acer AI Glasses GI0 The model we're most interested in is the Acer AI Glasses GI0, which are both visually and functionally similar to the popular Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses. The GI0 has a Wayfarer-like design, but Acer has chosen to use an unusual half-rim shape, meaning the frame only covers the top half of the lenses, leaving the lower half free. It gives the frames a lighter, airier design, which also helps lessen the impact of the GI0's thick upper frame. Acer claims the GI0 weighs 46 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2, but this is without the lenses. There's a camera built into the frames, complete with a physical shutter button, and it will take both 3024 x 4032 pixel stills and 1920 x 1080 pixel video at 30fps. It will also inform the onboard AI for visual search, translation, and more. Other AI features include conversation recording and voice notes. The Acer GI0 uses Google Gemini for AI duties. The GI0 connects to an app on your phone, which is available for Android and iOS, using Bluetooth, and is also equipped with Wi-Fi. Acer says the AI Glasses GI0 will be available globally later this year, and cost $300. Acer AR Vision GR0 The GI0 joins another pair of smartglasses from Acer, called the AR Vision GR0 glasses, but these aren't designed for everyday wear. Instead, they're AR glasses with dual micro OLED screens which are the equivalent of viewing a 172-inch screen from six meters away. Other key screen specs include a 200 nit brightness, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution when viewing standard 2D content. Like other similar products, such as the RayNeo Air 4 Pro, the Acer GR0 glasses use a cable to connect to the main device. They connect to Android, iOS, and Windows devices, can display both 2D and 3D content, plus there's a pair of speakers for stereo sound. The Acer GR0 glasses will be available globally later this year, and will cost $500.

Acer just unveiled new AI and AR smart glasses, putting more pressure on Meta -- here's why

AI has dominated the headlines this year, as it has for the last couple, but just below that the burgeoning field of smart glasses has seemingly exploded in 2026. And this is without major announcements from Meta -- Connect kicks off in September -- and the long-rumored Apple Glasses have yet to make their debut. Acer is mostly known for its laptops like the Acer Swift 16 AI, but the company just announced two different smart glasses that will be available later this year. The Acer GI0 are AI glasses, while the Acer AR Vision GR0 are AR glasses that can hook up to a laptop, smartphone or gaming devices like the new Acer Predator Atlast 8, which we tested out at Computex 2026. Here's what they offer and what it means for Apple and Meta. Acer AR Vision GR0 Acer's augmented reality glasses appear similar to display glasses like the Xreal One Pro or the Viture Beast. Though based on the press images, Acer's take looks more like a lithe version of the Samsung Galaxy XR headset. Per Acer, the GR0 features dual micro OLED FHD displays that can show up to a 172-inch screen as if viewed from about 20 feet away. It can display both 2D and 3D content. Like other AR glasses, it is tethered and Acer says it's compatible with Android, iOS and Windows platforms. Acer says the glasses weigh just 69 grams, a surprisingly head-friendly weight. For comparison, the Xreal One Pro glasses weigh 87 grams and the Viture Beast weigh a gram more at 88. Acer GI0 AI glasses When it comes to smart glasses there is a split. You either have the AR display glasses like the GR0s or you have the AI glasses which look more like normal daily spectacles. Acer's take on the AI glasses feature integrated Google Gemini tools including voice-activated integration, real-time image analysis and "instant translation." Like the Meta Ray-Ban glasses, Acer's features a built-in camera and microphone for photo and video capture. It can record voices for tracking meetings and conversations. Acer says it can wirelessly sync with Android or iOS devices and operates in conjunction with the Acer AspireSync companion. Both glasses will launch in the US and Europe in fourth quarter of 2026. Australians get first crack in Q3 later this year. The AR Vision GR0 will cost $499 USD/$599 EU/$999 AUD while the GI0 starts $299 US/$399 EU/$599 AUD. Competition and the Apple behemoth Smart glasses as a field is getting more crowded, which puts more pressure on Meta and its Ray-Ban lineup. No, Meta didn't have the first smart glasses but the company solidified how AI smart glasses work with the Meta Ray-Ban wearables. But in 2026 alone, the company is facing more pressure and increased competition. At Google I/O in May, the Mountain View giant and its partners revealed new looks at three different smart glasses. That includes new looks at the Xreal Project Aura AR glasses. We also saw Samsung's 'Intelligent Eyeware' glasses that are supposed to launch this fall. And that's before we even get to Google's own Android XR specs, which don't have a full release window yet. Tom's Guide editor Jason England said that despite a head start, Meta could truly fall behind if it doesn't make useful AI that connects to its smart glasses. They only have five months to fix major issues like maps, photos and app support. Meanwhile, Apple is lurking in the background with its rumored Glasses that could be a "shockwave" to the burgeoning industry. We may have to wait until 2027 to truly find out, though. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok. Finally, you can visit our dedicated Tom's Guide Savings Squad hub for expert help on getting the best products for less.

Acer Unveils its New Smart Eyewear Lineup

With a lot of tech brands left and right now launching their own takes on smart eyewear, it's unsurprising to see industry veterans get in on the action as well. With that in mind, Acer recently announced the launch of the Acer AR Vision GR0, and the Acer GI0 AI smart glasses. First up is the Acer AR Vision GR0 (Model GR100F), which is a wired augmented reality headset that displays content from a connected device such as a smartphone, laptop, or PC. Weighing in at just 69 grams, the headset features dual micro OLED Full HD screens with a 1920×1080 resolution for 2D content, scaling up to 3840×1080 for 3D viewing. You also get a 60Hz refresh rate, 200 nits of brightness, and a 50,000:1 contrast ratio. Compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows, the GR0 handles tracking using 3DoF, integrated accelerometers, proximity sensors, and magnetometers. Users can adjust brightness and volume directly on the frames with swipe gestures, and the glasses include a detachable light shield alongside a myopia magnetic lens option. Meanwhile, the Acer GI0 (Model GI100) ditches the built-in display and instead functions as a wireless AI companion. Weighing only 46 grams, the glasses run on a built-in 217 mAh battery, and can work directly with Google Gemini for audio-based AI features. For hardware, you're getting three onboard microphones and a 12 MP camera which allows the glasses to execute voice-activated queries, deliver real-time AI translations, and provide live AI captions. Other features include 32 GB of built-in storage, WiFi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0. Acer says that the two devices are scheduled for launch across the latter half of the year -- the AR Vision GR0 will launch at $499.99 in North America, AUD999 in Australia by Q3 2026, and EUR599 in the EMEA region by Q4 2026. Meanwhile, the Acer GI0 will hit markets starting at $299.99 in North America, AUD 599 in Australia, and EUR 399 in EMEA.

Acer expands wearable lineup with AR Vision GR0 and GI0 AI Smart Glasses

Acer has announced its entry into the next generation of smart eyewear with the introduction of two distinct devices: the Acer AR Vision GR0 augmented reality glasses and the Acer GI0 AI-powered smart glasses. Designed to extend mobile and computing experiences beyond traditional screens, the two models target different use cases, separating high-fidelity visual immersion from hands-free, voice-activated artificial intelligence. Acer AR Vision GR0: Tethered Visual Immersion The Acer AR Vision GR0 (Model GR100F) is an augmented reality headset that relies on the processing power of a connected smartphone, laptop, or PC. By offloading the computing hardware, Acer has kept the headset's weight down to 69 grams, positioning it as a lightweight option for extended work sessions, gaming, or media consumption. Display and Visual Performance The core feature of the GR0 is its dual micro OLED Full HD screens. When worn, the display provides a visual field equivalent to viewing a 172-inch screen from a distance of six meters. * Resolution: 1920×1080 per eye for 2D content, scaling to 3840×1080 for 3D content. * Color and Contrast: Covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut with 24-bit color depth and a 50,000:1 contrast ratio. * Brightness and Refresh Rate: Outfitted with a 60 Hz refresh rate and 200 nits of brightness. Connectivity and Functionality The GR0 requires a wired connection to its host device and features broad cross-platform compatibility, supporting Android, iOS, and Windows. For tracking, the glasses include 3DoF (Three Degrees of Freedom) capabilities via integrated accelerometers, magnetometers, and proximity sensors. Audio is delivered through near-ear directional stereo speakers. Physical controls on the frames allow users to adjust brightness and volume via swipe gestures. Additional design accommodations include a detachable light shield for brighter environments and an option for magnetic prescription lenses. Acer GI0: Wireless AI Assistant In contrast to the display-centric AR Vision GR0, the Acer GI0 (Model GI100) focuses on ambient computing, lifestyle productivity, and hands-free utility. Weighing 46 grams (frames only), the device operates wirelessly and integrates an onboard AI assistant powered by Google Gemini. AI and Multimedia Features The GI0 is designed for real-time interaction, utilizing its built-in microphones and camera to analyze the user's surroundings. * AI Capabilities: Supports voice-activated queries, instant foreign language translation, AI-generated captions, and real-time image analysis. * Camera System: Features a 12 MP camera capable of capturing 3024 x 4032 resolution still images and recording 1080p video at 30 FPS. * Audio and Storage: Equipped with three microphones for voice clarity and audio recording, paired with 32 GB of internal eMMC storage to save media and notes locally. Ecosystem and Battery Life The glasses connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 to host devices running Android 12 (and above) or iOS 15 (and above). System integration and settings are managed through the proprietary Acer AspireSync companion app. The GI0 is powered by a 217 mAh battery, chargeable via a 5V/1A input, and features a physical capture button alongside a side-mounted touchpad for manual navigation. Specifications Pricing and Availability Both devices are scheduled for a staggered global rollout across late 2026, targeting North American, European, and Australian markets. Acer AR Vision GR0 Pricing * North America: Starting at USD 499.99 (Rs. 47,435 approx.) (Expected Q4 2026) * Australia: Starting at AUD 999 (Expected Q3 2026) * EMEA: Starting at EUR 599 (Expected Q4 2026)