Pixel Watch and Fitbit Air will control Android XR glasses with gestures
The Pixel Watch and Fitbit Air will support gesture controls for Android XR smart glasses, with the Pixel Watch ready at launch and Fitbit Air following in 2027.
- Google confirmed the Pixel Watch and Fitbit Air will be able to control Android XR glasses.
- Pixel Watch support arrives at launch, while Fitbit Air will gain the feature in 2027.
- The Samsung-built Intelligent Eyewear runs Android XR, starting at 395 USD.
- The temple touch sensors remain functional, with the smartwatches serving as an optional input method.
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Intelligent Eyewear runs Android XR
Google recently introduced its Intelligent Eyewear smart glasses lineup. Built by Samsung, the glasses run Android XR and start at 395 USD, with preorders currently open through Warby Parker and Gentle Monster.
Alongside the hardware features of the glasses, Google quietly highlighted another notable detail: both the Pixel Watch and Fitbit Air will be capable of controlling Android XR glasses. The approach mirrors the dedicated control wristbands bundled with some competing smart glasses.
Gesture controls on your smartwatch
The Pixel Watch already supports gesture controls, using onboard sensors to recognize movements like finger pinches and wrist turns. In an Android XR demo, Google showcased pausing and resuming music playback using a pinch gesture.
It remains unclear which specific gestures will make the cut. The watches will likely replicate most actions currently handled by the temple touchpads on the frames. Users can still tap the frame sensors as usual, making the Pixel Watch and Fitbit Air strictly optional input methods.
Rollout timeline and pricing
According to details Google shared with 9to5Google, the Pixel Watch will be supported right from launch day, while the Fitbit Air will follow sometime in 2027. The Fitbit Air has reportedly seen strong sales, with Google struggling to keep up with demand, making this integration a logical move.
On the pricing front, the Fitbit Air retails for just 99 USD. By comparison, Meta's Neural Band - a similar controller accessory for smart glasses - costs 199 USD. Existing owners of either Google wearable may not need to spend extra on a separate controller accessory.
This strategy lowers the barrier to entry for Google's smart glasses by letting users leverage devices already on their wrists. However, the real-world experience will hinge on supported gestures, latency, and watch battery drain. Since Google has not yet shared these details, buyers should wait for hands-on reviews before making a purchase.
Source: 9to5Google
Reviewed by: Hero Association
