Samsung is getting closer to launching its first Android XR smart glasses, developed in partnership with Google, Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Pre-orders opened today, November 12, in the US and South Korea, with shipping from December 10.
Before the launch, an update to Samsung's Galaxy Wearable app had already offered a glimpse of the lineup.
The upcoming glasses will put Samsung in direct competition with Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. The glasses also bring Google's Android XR platform into everyday eyewear, giving the companies another way to make extended reality part of people's daily lives.
The glasses are only sold in the US and South Korea for now. Samsung hasn't said when they'll reach India, Nigeria or other markets.
Louis Eriakha
What the app update revealed
SamMobile spotted pairing support for Samsung's upcoming Intelligent Eyewear in the Galaxy Wearable app. The update also includes model numbers and images showing several frame designs from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.
The model numbers ending in P appear to be linked to Warby Parker, while those ending in J are associated with Gentle Monster. There's also a third codename, "Haean", although it's unclear which brand or model it refers to.
The specs we know
The glasses use Qualcomm's Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip and a 12MP camera. Earlier reports point to 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which Samsung hasn't confirmed.
The glasses are feature a 12MP camera, multiple microphones and two speakers built into the frames. An outward-facing LED indicator lets people nearby know when the camera is recording.
Samsung quotes up to nine hours of mixed use on a charge, and up to 72 hours with the charging case.
The software: Android XR and Gemini
The glasses run Android XR, Google's operating system for extended reality devices. Samsung's Galaxy XR headset was the platform's first device, and these glasses are among its next major additions.
Gemini is at the centre of the experience. Users will be able to ask questions about things they see, get directions, translate conversations and interact with the assistant without reaching for their phones.
Unlike some augmented reality glasses, however, these models are designed around audio and camera features rather than a display built into the lenses. You'll hear Gemini's responses through the speakers.
How it competes with Meta Ray-Ban and the privacy problem
Warby Parker frames start at $395, while Gentle Monster frames cost $449 to $489. In South Korea, Gentle Monster models start at 650,000 won.
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