The Talaya Brief: Google links Android XR glasses to phones, without saying which glasses

Android XR glasses get a phone connection in Play services

Google added support for connecting Android XR glasses to a phone in Google Play services v26.42, according to MIXED, which points to Google's release notes dated Oct. 26. The entry comes with no list of compatible glasses, no minimum phone requirements, no hardware release date and no country availability. MIXED notes that Google has promised Android and iOS pairing for the eyewear, with voice access to apps such as Uber. For background, see our explainer on what Android XR is and our look at Android XR glasses and headsets.

Brilliant Labs launches Halo

Brilliant Labs said on Oct. 27 that it launched Halo Glasses, which it describes as privacy-first smartglasses with an open-source architecture and on-device processing at their core. Its store page lists "advanced all-day memory" and a 14-hour battery, and says AI models run on the phone so no audio or video is stored in the cloud. Those are the company's own claims. The price, the Noa subscription tiers and how the privacy claims square with Brilliant's policy are in our full piece on the Halo launch.

Garmin reports a record quarter and raises guidance

Garmin's third-quarter results, published Oct. 28, show record consolidated revenue of $1.99 billion, up 12% from a year earlier, and record operating income of $612 million, up 34%. Pro forma earnings per share were $2.76, up 39%. The company says it raised its full-year guidance. Garmin also lists the launch of the fēnix 9 and fēnix 9 Pro watch series in the quarter, but the press release text does not break out wearables revenue.

Samsung prices Galaxy Buds On for the US

Samsung says Galaxy Buds On will be available in Black for $229 in the US beginning early November 2026. The clip-on, open-ear earbuds weigh 6.65g each and are rated for up to 9.5 hours of music playback, or up to 38 hours with the charging case. Users can start a conversation with Gemini Live 4 by saying "Hey Google, let's talk live." Samsung's release does not say whether they work with an iPhone, and it gives no prices outside the US.

Samsung's sleep apnea detection gets three levels, outlets report

Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring models will sort breathing disturbances into one of three levels, Android Authority reports. SammyGuru says the three-level analysis comes to select Galaxy Watch models and the Galaxy Ring in South Korea starting in November. We found no 2026 Samsung press release on the change, and nothing yet on the US or other markets. Samsung's 2025 announcement described the existing feature as the first of its kind for a wearable to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Our Galaxy Watch guide explains what the current feature does and the conditions Samsung attaches to it.