Samsung‘s first AI-powered smart glasses are finally getting closer to store shelves. According to a new report from South Korea’s ChosunBiz, the company is planning to launch its Intelligent Eyewear in mid-December, and if you’re waiting to get your hands on them outside the US or South Korea, you might be disappointed.
For those catching up, we reported earlier in October that Samsung was planning a November launch. However, the latest report suggests the release has been pushed back by a few weeks. Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed the new date, and there’s still no word on how much the glasses will cost.
What can Samsung’s AI glasses actually do?
Samsung first showcased its AI glasses at Google I/O in May, followed by a more detailed reveal at Galaxy Unpacked in July. So far, the company has shown four designs, developed in collaboration with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.
The Intelligent Eyewear is based on Google’s Android XR platform, with Gemini AI handling the AI features. The glasses use cameras and microphones to understand the wearer’s surroundings, allowing users to get real-time translations, navigation instructions, and answers to their questions without having to take out their smartphones.
There’s also the ability to capture documents or meeting notes and have the information automatically organized in Samsung Notes on a connected Galaxy phone. As for the hardware, the glasses pack Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor, with Samsung promising up to nine hours of battery life on a single charge.
What might disappoint some buyers is that Samsung hasn’t included a display in its first-generation glasses. The device relies on camera and voice interactions, although the company is reportedly working on another version with a built-in screen for a later release.
The initial launch won’t be a global one
According to the report, Samsung has decided to keep the initial release limited to the US and South Korea, leaving out major markets such as Europe, China, and Japan. The company apparently wants to see how customers respond to its new product before bringing it to other regions. However, there’s no information on when that expansion might happen. Regarding price, Samsung is reportedly still in discussions over how much it should charge for the glasses.