The world of smart glasses is about to get even more competitive. Samsung, in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, is preparing to enter the market with its own iteration of smart glasses that will directly challenge Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. This collaboration, backed by some of the most influential tech companies in the world, promises to be a game-changer. But when can we expect these glasses to hit the market, and what can we expect from them? Let’s take a closer look.
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When Will Samsung’s Smart Glasses Arrive?
According to a recent report from Maeil Business Newspaper, Samsung’s much-anticipated smart glasses won’t be available until late 2025, specifically between July and September. The company plans to produce an initial run of 500,000 units, which suggests a significant launch effort for its first foray into the world of augmented reality (AR) and smart eyewear.
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While a launch in 2025 is later than many had hoped, it is not unexpected. Samsung is known for unveiling major new devices at its second Unpacked event of the year, which typically happens in the summer. At these events, Samsung often showcases the next generation of foldable phones, and it has also teased the upcoming Galaxy Ring, which could very well share the stage with its new smart glasses.
This release timeline indicates that the smart glasses could be positioned as the company’s answer to the growing interest in AR, particularly in response to Apple’s recent push into the augmented reality space with its Vision Pro headset.
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Specs: What to Expect from Samsung’s Smart Glasses
As for what the glasses will feature, the specs are starting to come into focus, and they share several similarities with the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, especially in terms of hardware.
Powered by Qualcomm’s AR1 chipset, the Samsung glasses will come with a 155mAh battery, offering decent battery life for all-day wear. Weighing in at 50 grams, they are slightly heavier than Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses but remain lightweight enough for daily use without causing discomfort. A 12MP Sony camera will be embedded in the design, allowing for high-quality photos and videos. Additionally, Samsung is set to integrate its custom-developed Google Gemini LLM (Large Language Model) for AI capabilities, which will differentiate the device from Meta’s Ray-Bans.
The integration of Qualcomm’s AR1 chip is particularly significant. While this is the same chip used in Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, Qualcomm has also released its AR2 chipset, suggesting that Samsung could be betting on the more mature AR1 for its initial release. This approach offers a slightly more conservative stance as the company enters the market but could also signal that Samsung intends to refine its AR technology before fully embracing newer chipsets.
Key Differences Between Samsung and Meta’s Smart Glasses
While the hardware similarities between Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses and Meta’s Ray-Bans are evident, the real difference will lie in the software and user experience. The biggest differentiating factor is the integration of Google’s Gemini AI on Samsung’s device, as opposed to Meta’s AI.
Gemini is set to bring a number of powerful features to the glasses. The smart glasses will offer QR code recognition, payment options, gesture recognition, and even human recognition. While Meta has teased similar functionalities, such as live translation, Samsung’s AI-powered glasses could provide a broader range of practical applications. The AI could potentially be used for navigating daily tasks, from handling payments to interacting with the world around you in new ways.
For example, you might be able to use your glasses to pay for items at a store simply by scanning a QR code, or the glasses could recognize the faces of friends or colleagues when you encounter them. The combination of hardware and AI could allow Samsung’s smart glasses to become a powerful tool for both productivity and entertainment.
In contrast, Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are focused primarily on communication and content creation, with a much simpler design. These glasses allow users to take photos, record video, and listen to music or take calls, but their functionality is currently limited when compared to what Samsung appears to be offering.
Behind the Scenes: The Google, Qualcomm, and Samsung Partnership
The partnership between Google, Qualcomm, and Samsung is not entirely new. In February 2023, the three companies announced their XR (extended reality) platform collaboration, with a promise of a device coming in 2024. However, despite initial announcements, it seems that Samsung has shifted gears in response to both Apple’s Vision Pro headset and other developments in the AR space.
According to some reports, behind the scenes, Samsung has been hesitant about rushing into the XR space, particularly after seeing the underwhelming reception of Apple’s Vision Pro headset. This caution may have led to delays in the launch of their glasses, but it also shows the company’s intent to get things right before making its move in the AR market. It’s not clear whether the device Samsung is planning will include virtual reality (VR) features, though recent patents suggest that both AR and VR capabilities could be part of the company’s long-term strategy.
In fact, a recent patent from Samsung suggests that the company is working on a device that could integrate both AR and VR experiences, potentially offering users an immersive experience that would combine the best of both worlds. This could mean that, down the line, Samsung’s smart glasses may be able to seamlessly transition from an AR device into a fully immersive VR experience, offering incredible versatility to users.
Samsung’s XR Device: What’s Next?
It’s clear that Samsung is preparing to enter the AR space with a bang. If the smart glasses are as innovative as the specs suggest, they could quickly establish Samsung as a major player in the emerging market for wearable technology. And with the backing of Google’s AI expertise and Qualcomm’s cutting-edge chipsets, Samsung’s smart glasses could redefine what we expect from AR eyewear.
There are also indications that we may see a preview of the device as soon as CES in January 2025 or potentially during the Samsung Galaxy S25 launch event in January 2025. This would follow a similar pattern to how the company teased the Galaxy Ring before its official launch earlier this year. Given Samsung’s commitment to expanding its ecosystem of devices, it’s likely that these smart glasses will work in concert with other Samsung products, creating a seamless experience across wearables, smartphones, and more.
As the race to develop the ultimate AR and VR devices heats up, it’s exciting to think about the potential of Samsung’s smart glasses and the ways they could compete with Meta’s offerings. One thing is for sure — the future of smart eyewear is looking brighter than ever.
The Future of Smart Glasses: Samsung’s Bold Move into the XR Space
Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses, developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, have the potential to disrupt the market currently dominated by Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. With powerful specs, including a 12MP Sony camera, Google’s Gemini AI, and Qualcomm’s AR1 chip, these glasses are poised to offer features and functionality that far exceed what’s currently available. However, with a release set for 2025, it’s a wait-and-see game as Samsung continues to refine its plans in the XR space. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the anticipated launch.
