Samsung and Google originally embarked on creating an XR headset, but have now redirected their efforts towards developing smart glasses. This shift has been highlighted by recent leaks about the upcoming Samsung XR glasses, which are poised to rival offerings like the Meta Ray-Ban.
Recent leaks suggest that Samsung’s XR glasses might skip having a screen, akin to the Meta Ray-Ban model. This detail isn’t included in the leaked specs, hinting at a design choice favouring lighter weight and easier wearability. It seems Google’s strategy is to encourage all-day wear for continuous engagement with their ecosystem, including the Gemini AI.
The integration of Gemini AI could unlock several intelligent features for these glasses, potentially turning them into a versatile travel tool with capabilities like real-time translation. Additional features might include facilitating payments, recognizing QR codes, detecting gestures for control, and identifying individuals or objects. Although specifics remain undisclosed, the functionalities implied by these names suggest a focus on intuitive, hands-free interaction with the device.
The Samsung XR glasses are rumoured to be equipped with the Qualcomm AR1 chip, mirroring the setup of the Meta Ray-Ban glasses. Despite the existence of the AR2 chip, the AR1 Gen 1 model is more recent, illustrating a somewhat perplexing naming convention by Qualcomm. These glasses are expected to include a 12 MP camera and a battery with a capacity of 155 mAh. Their weight is estimated at approximately 50 grams, making them marginally heavier than their Meta counterpart.
According to the leaks, Samsung plans to manufacture an initial run of 500,000 units. The expected launch window for these glasses has shifted to the second quarter of 2025, which aligns with delays seen in other Samsung product releases, such as the stable update for One UI 7, also postponed to 2025.
