Samsung to Launch AI Glasses Focused on Comfort and Design

Samsung Electronics is set to launch artificial intelligence (AI) glasses that prioritize comfort and design. The company aims to create glasses that can be worn all day without discomfort, focusing on minimizing weight and improving balance, heat dissipation, and overall wearability.

Choi Jae-in, Vice President and Head of the XR Development Team at Samsung's MX Division, stated during a briefing on July 23 in London that "many companies can create AI glasses, but making a product that people want to wear every day is a completely different challenge." He emphasized that the primary goal was to create glasses that are appealing at first glance and comfortable for all-day wear.

The development of the 'Intelligent Eyewear,' a collaboration between Samsung and Google, aims to differentiate itself from existing AI glasses. Rather than prioritizing technical performance, the focus is on design and user experience. Choi noted, "Glasses are a fashion item and a means of personal expression. True AI glasses should not replace smartphones but rather provide a new interface that helps users understand the world and naturally extends mobile AI experiences beyond the screen."

Samsung has leveraged its expertise in ultra-compact design from its mobile business. The glasses feature a slim hinge structure, ultra-thin injection technology, and lightweight materials such as titanium and aluminum. The internal components have been reconfigured to balance weight, minimizing any tendency to tilt when worn. Additionally, a new heat dissipation structure has been designed to prevent heat from the device from reaching the user's face.

Choi expressed confidence that engineers have worked tirelessly to reduce weight to within 0.1 grams, asserting that these will be the lightest AI glasses available. While the actual weight has not been disclosed, he repeatedly emphasized that they are lighter than competing products from companies like Meta.

Quality assurance standards exceed those of existing smartphones. Samsung has conducted tests for high temperature and humidity, human safety, durability specific to eyewear, and even repeated applications of sunscreen. This is due to the need for the glasses to maintain performance in everyday conditions, including exposure to sunscreen, sweat, and UV rays. The glasses can be used for up to nine hours on a single charge and come with a case that allows for more than seven additional charges.

Rather than replacing smartphones, the focus is on expanding the AI experience. The Intelligent Eyewear includes a camera, sensors, microphone, and open speakers, enabling users to check messages, receive real-time translations, get directions, and take photos using only their voice. Notably, it incorporates Google's latest 'Gemini Live' technology, allowing the AI to understand the user's surroundings in real time.

The core technology is 'split computing,' where heavy AI processing is handled by a Galaxy smartphone while the glasses perform only necessary functions. This structure allows for a thin and lightweight design while maintaining AI performance. Choi explained, "High-performance processing is handled by the smartphone, while the glasses serve to expand the experience," adding that the goal is to naturally extend mobile AI experiences beyond the screen rather than replace smartphones. He expressed pride in being the first major mobile brand to introduce glasses, highlighting the technological possibilities they can explore.

The integration with the Galaxy ecosystem is also a significant advantage. Users can immediately view recorded videos in the smartphone's 'Now Bar' and gallery, and control calls and music using gestures from a Galaxy Watch. Existing mobile apps like Samsung Notes, translation services, and Google Maps can be used seamlessly without additional setup. Basic compatibility with both Android and iOS ensures broad usability.

Samsung has also focused on privacy protection, a key concern for the adoption of AI glasses. An LED indicator lights up during recording, and the camera is designed to operate only when worn on the face. There is also a feature that disables recording if the LED is covered or taped over. User voice data and video will not be used for AI model training.

Samsung views this product as the starting point for the AI glasses market. Choi stated, "Rather than incorporating all technologies at once, we will gradually expand necessary features based on consumer feedback," adding, "Just as Samsung set new standards for form factors, we will create new benchmarks in the AI glasses market."