Samsung joins the smart glasses race in partnership with Google

Samsung and Google are reportedly collaborating to develop smart glasses set for a 2025 launch, potentially competing with Apple's and Meta's AR glasses.

 AR Glasses (photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
AR Glasses
(photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)

Tech giants are vying for dominance in the AR world, with Samsung joining the fray with its own augmented reality glasses. While Apple is reportedly working on its own smart glasses and Meta has unveiled a prototype of its Orion glasses, Samsung is not staying behind. A new report from the Chinese research firm Wellsen XR reveals fresh details about Samsung's glasses, which are reportedly being developed in collaboration with Google.

According to the report, Samsung's AR glasses are expected to hit the market in the second half of 2025, with an initial production of 500,000 units planned for the third quarter of that year. Though this launch date is later than anticipated, it aligns with hints Samsung itself provided in October. The glasses will be powered by Qualcomm's AR1 chipset, similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses.

 Mark Zuckerberg with the first prototype of Meta’s Orion glasses (credit: REUTERS)
Mark Zuckerberg with the first prototype of Meta’s Orion glasses (credit: REUTERS)

Additional details from the report indicate more similarities to Meta's glasses, including a 12-megapixel camera and a 155 mAh battery. The glasses will weigh approximately 50 grams, slightly more than Meta's Ray-Ban model.

One intriguing point from the report is that Samsung appears to have opted to forego a display on this model, likely aiming to keep the design lightweight and comfortable. However, the report highlights advanced features such as the integration of Google's AI model, Gemini. Additionally, the glasses are expected to support payment functions, QR code recognition, "gesture recognition," and "human recognition" capabilities, suggesting a sophisticated product with the potential to revolutionize how we interact with the digital world.