Google Play services v26.42 adds phone-side support for Android XR glasses, according to Google’s own release notes dated October 26. The update lands ahead of Samsung’s first smart glasses, which are due in November. In practice, Google is preparing Android phones before the hardware they will pair with reaches buyers.
Under Device Connectivity, Google’s notes put it in a single line: “You can now connect Android XR glasses to your phone.”
Why Android XR glasses support in Play services matters now
Samsung has said its first smart glasses will launch in November. The v26.42 notes don’t mention a price or release date for any glasses. Droid Life points to FCC listings for Samsung’s frames, made with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. It also cites a report of a November launch.
One open question is data. The release notes don’t detail what data passes between phone and glasses, which matters for eyewear with a camera. Samsung has shared some durability and privacy details for its own pair.
Everything else in Google Play services v26.42
The rest of the update is smaller, and all of it applies to phones:
- Earbuds: True wireless stereo earbuds can now pair in the background without changing your notifications, audio or vibration.
- Emergency alerts: Earthquake and crisis alerts get a refreshed presentation, though Google doesn’t say what changed.
- Google One: The storage-management page loads faster, and Google Account settings gain a new menu.
- Fixes: Bug fixes and developer features for Device Connectivity services.
The same notes also cover Google Play Store v53.8. Ask Play can now cite videos with timestamps. A new Sidekick gaming tool called Playbacks saves your last 30 seconds of gameplay on the device.
When will you get Play services v26.42?
Google Play services updates roll out in stages, so v26.42 won’t reach every phone at once. Google’s notes also say some features may be experimental or limited to certain users. You can’t force the update, but you can see your current version in the Google Play services app info.
The previous release, v26.41, brought scam-call protection to older phones and Left-Behind Reminders in Find Hub.
Sources: Google system release notes, Droid Life
