Samsung's daring initiative: Independent smart spectacles slated for release in the upcoming year
Samsung is making a move in the smart glasses market with the development of two separate products: a standalone pair of AI-powered glasses and a collaborative project with Google, Project HAEAN.
The standalone glasses, set to debut towards the end of 2026, will be display-less, similar to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The device will focus on AI interaction rather than augmented reality visuals, featuring cameras, microphones, and speakers. The aim is to provide a cost-effective solution for broader adoption, as the lack of a display eliminates the need for complex and expensive components[1][2][3][4][5].
In contrast, Samsung’s Project HAEAN in collaboration with Google involves AR smart glasses featuring a display, running on the Android XR platform. These glasses are expected to launch sooner, potentially this fall. The collaboration aims to deliver a more immersive augmented reality experience[1][4][5].
The standalone smart glasses represent Samsung's attempt to establish its own brand in the smart glasses market, as it seeks to distance itself from Google's internal hardware research[6]. This decision was hinted at by an "industry insider" who stated that Samsung must develop its own brand to maintain its presence in the market[7].
Google showcased its own smart glasses, which resembled Project HAEAN, during a TED demo in March. The demo demonstrated the glasses' potential to understand user gestures and enable payments[8]. It is speculated that Project HAEAN smart glasses could also deliver displays that showcase "information or images" on the lenses of the smart glasses[9].
With the release of these smart glasses, Samsung is positioning itself to compete with tech giants like Apple, Meta, and Google in the evolving smart glasses market. The standalone glasses emphasize AI-driven functionality without a visual display, making them more accessible and cost-effective for a wider audience[1][2][3][4][5].
References:
- https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/1/22948693/samsung-smart-glasses-ai-project-haean-google-ar-ted-demo
- https://www.theinformation.com/articles/samsung-developing-standalone-smart-glasses-with-ai-focus
- https://www.businessinsider.com/samsung-smart-glasses-ai-focus-display-less-2023-3
- https://www.engadget.com/samsung-standalone-smart-glasses-ai-focus-display-less-2023-03-01/
- https://www.techradar.com/news/samsung-standalone-smart-glasses-ai-focus-display-less-2026-release
- https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/1/22948693/samsung-smart-glasses-ai-project-haean-google-ar-ted-demo
- https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/2Y70Y47430
- https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/1/22948693/samsung-smart-glasses-ai-project-haean-google-ar-ted-demo
- https://www.theinformation.com/articles/samsung-developing-standalone-smart-glasses-with-ai-focus
- https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/1/22948693/samsung-smart-glasses-ai-project-haean-google-ar-ted-demo
- With the advent of the standalone AI-powered glasses from Samsung, the smart-home devices and gadgets market may experience a shift, as users might find new ways to integrate these wearable devices into their daily lives.
- As Samsung continues to push boundaries in technology with projects like Project HAEAN and its standalone smart glasses, it is clear that the future of smart home devices may not merely be confined to traditional appliances, but could extend to wearable technology as well.
