Nothing Plans AI Smart Glasses for 2027 and AI-Focused Earbuds for Later This Year as CEO Carl Pei Embraces Multi-Device Strategy
London-based consumer electronics startup Nothing is developing AI-powered smart glasses with cameras, microphones, and speakers for a first-half 2027 launch, alongside new AI-focused earbuds arriving later in 2026, as CEO Carl Pei reverses his earlier resistance to the wearable form factor.
Overview
Nothing, the London-based consumer electronics company known for its transparent-backed smartphones and distinctive audio products, is expanding into AI-powered wearables. The startup plans to release smart glasses in the first half of 2027 and new AI-focused earbuds later this year, according to a Bloomberg report published on March 31, citing people familiar with the matter.
The move marks a strategic pivot for co-founder and CEO Carl Pei, who had previously been resistant to the idea of smart glasses but has now told employees he wants the company to pursue a multi-device strategy that extends beyond its existing smartphone and audio lineup, according to 9to5Google.
What We Know
Nothing’s smart glasses will feature cameras, microphones, and speakers, but will not include a built-in display, according to Bloomberg. The device will rely on a connected smartphone and cloud infrastructure to process AI queries rather than handling computation on-device, as reported by TechCrunch.
The glasses are expected to incorporate Nothing’s signature design language, which has become a defining characteristic of the brand. The company’s phones are recognized for their transparent backs and LED notification strips, and the glasses are expected to carry similar aesthetic choices, according to 9to5Google.
Beyond glasses, Nothing is also developing new earbuds with AI-focused features slated for release later in 2026, as reported by TechCrunch. Details on the earbuds’ specific AI capabilities have not been disclosed.
Pei has signaled a broader vision for the company that could eventually encompass additional device categories. According to 9to5Google, Pei has discussed a multi-device strategy that expands past smartphones and audio devices. The company may also prioritize AI agents over traditional voice assistants in its product approach.
Market Context
Nothing enters an increasingly competitive smart glasses market. Meta’s Ray-Ban partnership currently dominates the segment, with an estimated 82 percent market share. Samsung recently confirmed its own Android XR-powered smart glasses with a Qualcomm AR1 chipset and Google Gemini integration for 2026. Google itself is developing Android XR glasses, and Apple has been active in the spatial computing space with Vision Pro.
The displayless design positions Nothing’s glasses more as a direct competitor to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which similarly rely on cameras and audio rather than augmented reality overlays, according to Bloomberg. This approach favors lighter weight and longer battery life over the visual capabilities offered by more expensive mixed-reality headsets.
What We Don’t Know
Neither Nothing nor Pei has publicly confirmed the plans, and key details remain undisclosed. Pricing, retail availability, and the specific AI platform powering the glasses have not been announced. It is unclear whether Nothing will partner with an existing AI provider such as Google or OpenAI, or develop its own on-device capabilities. The company has also not revealed whether the glasses will integrate with its existing Nothing OS ecosystem or require a separate companion application. Production timelines for the AI earbuds, including whether they will ship before or alongside a particular phone launch, have not been specified.