The Galaxy XR headset is ideal for gaming and professional applications, but it's not intended for everyday use. Instead, Samsung has introduced a new pair of smart glasses at its Galaxy Unpacked event.
This innovative device is the result of a collaboration between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm. The glasses operate on Android XR using a Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chipset, which has been specifically engineered for lightweight and slim smart glasses, unlike the XR2+ Gen 2 chip used in the Galaxy XR.
Smart Glasses Designed by Gentle Monster
The glasses are equipped with the Google Gemini AI assistant tailored for wearables. With a built-in camera, the assistant can perceive its surroundings and provide contextual information. For example, it can capture an image of a whiteboard and organize the data within your Notes app. Additionally, the camera can function as a regular camera, allowing users to record first-person videos or share their environment during video calls.
These smart glasses can summarize lengthy messages and vocalize essential information. They also offer real-time translation features for travelers who may not be fluent in the local language.
For navigation, the glasses provide real-time directions to selected destinations and can offer information about local attractions for those on sightseeing excursions.
Smart Glasses Designed by Warby Parker
There are multiple ways to control the glasses. Users can opt for hands-free operation through voice commands or utilize the touch-sensitive areas located on the glasses' temples. Additionally, control can be executed via connected devices.
These glasses do not incorporate a display, focusing instead on audio feedback. Samsung's press release indicates that the glasses aim to make AI more accessible to users “as they move, work, communicate, and explore, without requiring every interaction to initiate from a screen.” The Android XR platform fully supports display-less designs. While these are currently referred to as “AI glasses,” Samsung is also developing AR glasses with screens.
On the design front, Samsung collaborated with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. Gentle Monster delivered a sleek, fashion-forward black frame featuring a straight upper rim and rounded lower edges. Warby Parker provided a more casual brown hue suitable for everyday wear.
The Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip that powers the Samsung smart glasses“As agentic AI reshapes mobile experiences, the next step is to make those experiences more intuitive and responsive to each user’s context. Intelligent eyewear creates a new point of interaction, bringing more personalized AI assistance naturally into everyday moments,” stated Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics.
“Google and Samsung share a vision to integrate useful and context-aware intelligence into daily life. Built on the Android XR platform, this intelligent eyewear merges state-of-the-art designs with Gemini’s advanced assistance, providing all-day, hands-free help. We are eager to further this collaboration and make this experience available to users soon,” commented Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google.
