Samsung's XR glasses prototype signals a promising future for smart spectacles, pushing me closer than ever towards complete immersion.
After months of anticipation, Google unveiled its early-stage Android XR smart glasses prototype at the Google I/O event. The demonstration, which included live translation, was not without hiccups, yet it managed to excite the audience. Upon conclusion of the keynote, the author was able to try the prototype glasses, albeit for a brief period.
These prototype Android XR glasses, developed in collaboration with Samsung, were different in appearance from Project Moohan headsets previously tested. Unlike slim frames like Warby Parker or eccentric ones from Gentle Monster, the prototype glasses were standard black frames with thicker left and right stems packed with technology.
On closer look, the glasses featured a screen integrated into the lens, which appeared in the wearer's field of view, displaying various information. Turning the glasses on for the first time revealed the time and weather at the top of the user's field of vision. Pressing the button on the right stem captured a photo, which flashed larger in the field of vision for review.
During the keynote, Google revealed that the screens could also be used for messaging, calls, and translations. While the author did not have the opportunity to test these features personally, a Google representative was able to initiate navigation on the glasses, which was non-invasive, allowing the user to continue looking straight ahead, even while receiving directional information.
This navigation feature excites the author more than previous smart glasses, as it does not obstruct the user's vision. Instead, directions appear at the top of the field of vision, allowing the user to walk safely without looking at a phone or wristwatch. The author believes that this would be particularly useful in cities like New York, where they could navigate while walking without being a nuisance to others.
The prototype screen's quality was acceptable but unverified under direct sunlight, as testing was conducted in a makeshift room constructed by Google.
Despite the early development stage, Google has several brands on board to produce these glasses, although an exact release date remains undisclosed. Developers will, however, gain access to the platform to create and test apps by the end of the year. The Project Moohan headset, also powered by Android XR, is set for release later this year, with Samsung preparing a final version for shipping.
The AI assistant Gemini impressed the author during their experience with Project Moohan and equally so on the Android XR glasses. The smart glasses responded efficiently to various queries, such as providing weather forecasts and analyzing paintings, demonstrating the potential of AI in enhancing the functionality of smart glasses.
As of now, Samsung's final design for the glasses remains unrevealed, with the finished product likely to be joined by Android XR-powered smart glasses from brands like Warby Parker, X-Real, and Gentle Monster.
While the design did not impress the author, they are optimistic about the Warby Parker smart glasses due to the successful integration of AI and a non-distracting in-lens display in the prototype. With multiple entries, the author believes that at least one model will strike the right balance between form and function.
With the potential of Android XR glasses, the author is eager to see what advancements Meta and Apple, rumored to be entering the field of smart glasses, will bring to the table.
This development marks a significant step towards integrating advanced AI and extended reality (XR) into wearable devices, offering users real-time assistance and navigation through a customizable in-lens display powered by the Gemini AI platform[1][2][3]. The project involves partnerships between Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm, with Google collaborating with eyewear brands such as Gentle Monster, Warby Parker, and Kering Eyewear[2][5].
[1] (Link to the original article discussing Google's Android XR smart glasses in detail)
[2] (Link to an article highlighting the partnership between Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm for Android XR smart glasses)
[3] (Link to an article discussing the features and potential impact of Android XR smart glasses)
[5] (Link to an article announcing Google's partnership with Kering Eyewear for Android XR smart glasses)
- The Android XR glasses prototype, developed in collaboration with Samsung, possess screen integrated into the lens and are packed with technology, transforming them into smart-home devices that can display various information, capture photos, and even support messaging, calls, and translations.
- The smart glasses under development, with the assistance of the Gemini AI platform, showcase the integration of technology into computing gadgets, promising real-time assistance and navigation through a customizable in-lens display.
- Aside from Google and Samsung, other brands like Warby Parker, X-Real, and Gentle Monster are also expected to release Android XR-powered smart glasses soon, displaying the widespread interest in integrated audio, advanced AI, and extended reality (XR) technology among gadget manufacturers.
