Published on: January 24, 2025 / Update from: January 24, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Samsung & Google in the AR world: What can Android XR glasses offer?
Samsung Galaxy S25 event: introducing new technology
During the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S25 event, which showcased the latest achievements in the smartphone sector, an unexpected announcement caused a stir: a teaser for augmented reality glasses (AR glasses) made the technology world sit up and take notice. Although the focus was on the introduction of the new smartphone models, the announcement of this pioneering technology set a clear tone that underlined the growing interest in immersive experiences. While concrete technical details and an official name for the glasses have not yet been revealed, the hints were enough to spark speculation and a wave of anticipation.
At the Samsung Galaxy S25 Unpacked Event on January 22, 2025, some details about Samsung and Google's joint AR glasses project were actually presented, but the specific technical information is still limited.
The Android XR platform as a basis
It is widely believed that these AR glasses will be based on the Android XR platform developed by Google, a platform specifically designed to meet the needs of augmented and mixed reality applications. This decision suggests deep integration into the existing Android ecosystem, promising a seamless user experience and a wide range of potential use cases. The project, codenamed “Project Moohan” internally, is a testament to the close collaboration between Samsung and Google in the field of augmented reality. Both tech giants are combining their expertise to develop a new generation of immersive devices that could fundamentally change the way we interact with the digital world.
More about it here:
- From vision to reality with Android XR – the operating system for smart glasses
- Samsung and Google announce mixed reality headset “Project Moohan” to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro
Assumed technical specifications
The technical details that have leaked so far provide a fascinating insight into the AR glasses' potential capabilities. Although there is no official confirmation, various reports point to a number of impressive specifications. At the heart of the glasses could be a state-of-the-art Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 or AR1 Gen 2 chip, which should ensure exceptional computing power and graphics quality. Designed specifically for XR applications, these chips enable complex augmented reality experiences that are fluid and responsive.
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Visual and physical characteristics
The optical component of the AR glasses could be powered by a 12-megapixel Sony IMX681 sensor. This sensor would not only provide high-quality images, but also enable precise sensing of the environment, essential for embedding virtual elements into the real world. The sensor's high resolution and advanced technology would enable realistic representation of AR content that is seamlessly integrated into the user's view.
Another aspect that attracts attention is the battery capacity of the glasses. With a suspected capacity of 155mAh, the battery appears to be relatively small, suggesting a lightweight and compact design. This would increase the comfort of the glasses, a crucial factor for long-term use. The low weight of around 50 grams, which is also speculated, would reinforce the impression of a user-friendly and comfortable device. However, it is important to emphasize that these specifications are based on leaks and are subject to change until official release.
The role of artificial intelligence
In addition to the hardware specifications, the software and functionality play a crucial role in the success of AR glasses. This is where integration with Google Gemini AI assistant comes into play, promising a revolutionary user experience. By leveraging the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI), the AR glasses are said to be able to contextually understand their surroundings and respond to the user's needs. This would allow the user to interact with the digital content in an intuitive and natural way. The conversational user interface enabled by Gemini AI could usher in a whole new era of human-computer interaction, where the technology subtly enriches everyday life without being intrusive.
Possible areas of application
The AR glasses are expected to open up a variety of use cases in the private and professional sectors. In the private sector it could be used for games, entertainment, navigation and social interaction. Imagine playing in a virtual world that seamlessly blends into your real-world surroundings, or interacting with your friends in real time while in different locations. The possibilities are almost limitless. In a professional context, AR glasses could be used in areas such as design, architecture, medicine and education to optimize workflows and create new possibilities.
Publication and other projects
Although an exact release date has not yet been announced, some reports suggest a possible launch in the second half of 2025. However, those responsible emphasize that the quality and user-friendliness of the product have top priority. It is believed that Samsung and Google will not rush into the market, but will want to take their time to ensure that the AR glasses live up to high expectations. The time until possible publication should be used to further optimize the hardware and software and to ensure that the product is both technically mature and user-friendly.
Collaboration between Samsung and Google is an important milestone in AR development
Augmented reality technology is developing rapidly and the collaboration between Samsung and Google is an important milestone in this development. The AR glasses project is not just a product, but a testament to both companies' vision and commitment to seamlessly connect the digital and real worlds. The expectations for this product are high and the technology community is eagerly following the further progress and the official announcement. AR glasses could be not just another technological device, but a gateway to a new world of experiences where the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds are blurred. The next few months will bring further details and official announcements that will further build anticipation for this innovative technology. It is only a matter of time before we feel the effects of this development in our daily lives. The future of interaction with our environment will fundamentally change as reality and virtual worlds merge.
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