Published on: January 24, 2025 / update from: January 24, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Samsung Galaxy Smart Glasses ”-A new era of the augmented reality with Google's Android XR and Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset-Image: Samsung / Google-creative picture: Xpert.digital
Samsung & Google in the AR world: What can Android XR glasses offer?
Samsung is preparing to enter the market for augmented reality glasses (AR glasses) an official name for the AR glasses from Samsung and Google With this strategic initiative, the company is in the competition with established players such as Meta and Apple. TM Roh, the head of the Mobile division of Samsung, confirmed these plans in an interview with Bloomberg and emphasized that Samsung is working intensively on the development of this future -oriented technology with partners such as Google and Qualcomm.
Partnership with Google: Together for innovation
A central pillar of Samsung's AR vision is close collaboration with Google. This collaboration goes beyond a simple partnership - both companies see themselves as a unified team working to develop new standards for AR technology. This collaboration builds on previous joint projects such as “Project Moohan,” a mixed reality headset unveiled at the end of 2024. By combining their expertise, Samsung and Google aim to make significant progress in augmented reality with the launch of Galaxy Smart Glasses.
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Technology and development schedule
Although specific details are still being kept under wraps, Samsung has made it clear that the AR glasses will be an important part of the further development of the Android XR operating system. This operating system was developed specifically for extended reality applications and is intended to serve as a platform for the seamless integration of AR, VR and mixed reality functions.
TM Roh emphasized: “Our goal is to bring these products to market as quickly as possible without compromising on quality.” Samsung is expected to bring the first models of Galaxy Smart Glasses onto the market as early as 2025.
Market strategy: The competition for the future
By entering the AR market, Samsung is targeting a high-growth area that has the potential to revolutionize the way people interact with their surroundings. This strategy brings Samsung into direct competition:
- Meta: The company plans to bring its AR glasses “Artemis” to market by 2027.
- Apple: Although Apple's AR plans are still largely secret, the company is also expected to be working on an innovative solution.
The decision to enter this market early shows Samsung's goal to take a leading role in future technology. According to industry analysts, the market for AR devices could grow explosively in the next few years and play a key role in entertainment, education, work and daily life.
Planned features and technical specifications
Based on current information and rumors, Samsung's Galaxy Smart Glasses are expected to come with the following features:
Hardware
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 / AR1 Gen 2 chip, specially optimized for AR.
- Camera: A 12-megapixel camera with the Sony IMX681 CMOS image sensor that enables crisp images and videos.
- Battery: A compact 155mAh battery for longer runtime.
- Weight: At around 50 grams, the glasses are among the lightest in their class.
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Software and AI
- Operating system: Android XR, developed in collaboration with Google.
- AI Assistant: A customized version of Google's Gemini language model that enables contextual interactions and intelligent functions.
Innovative features
- Gesture control: The glasses should be operable with intuitive hand movements. This allows for seamless interaction without the need for physical controllers.
- AI functions: Functions such as real-time language translation, object recognition and contextual information are intended to make everyday life easier.
- Mobile payments: The glasses support payments through QR code scanning and could serve as a wallet replacement in the future.
Display and display quality
- First generation: The first models may not offer an integrated display, but will rely on connection to smartphones.
- Future perspective: From 2026, micro-LED displays could be integrated, enabling an even more immersive augmented reality experience.
Ecosystem integration
The Galaxy Smart Glasses will be closely integrated into Samsung's existing Galaxy ecosystem. Users can benefit from seamless synchronization with other Samsung devices such as smartphones, tablets and wearables.
Android XR: The heart of Galaxy Smart Glasses
The Android XR operating system will play a central role in Samsung's AR strategy. Developed by Google, it is intended to form the technological basis for AR, VR and mixed reality devices.
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Key features of Android XR
- AI integration: With Google's Gemini model, the glasses gain powerful AI features such as voice control, translations and contextual support.
- App ecosystem: Android XR provides access to a variety of AR-optimized apps including Google Maps, YouTube and Google Lens.
- Developer friendliness: The operating system provides tools and frameworks to promote the development of innovative AR applications.
Long term vision
Android XR is part of Samsung and Google's broader strategy to create an ecosystem for extended reality devices. The Galaxy Smart Glasses are positioned as a complement to the Project Moohan mixed reality headset to offer users a holistic AR experience.
The future of AR with Samsung
With the introduction of the Galaxy Smart Glasses, Samsung sets a clear sign of the future of technology. AR glasses could not only become a practical tool for everyday life in the coming years, but also change the way we work, communicate and perceive the world. The combination of powerful hardware, intelligent software and close ecosystem integration makes Samsung approach an exciting development that could have a lasting impact on the market.
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