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Here’s what Samsung’s smart glasses actually look like
Samsung has shown off the first physical designs and specifications for its upcoming smart glasses, developed jointly with Google alongside eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. Two new frames were revealed, adding to the pair shown at Google I/O in May, ahead of a planned launch this autumn. The move puts Samsung and Google in direct competition with Meta's Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses, and raises similar privacy concerns given that every model carries an onboard camera.
The new designs include a squared-off black pair from Gentle Monster and a rounder red-brown frame from Warby Parker, with Samsung executive Jaein Choi indicating more styles are still to come. Both are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip, the same as Meta's latest glasses, and offer up to nine hours of battery life plus seven additional charges from their case. Users will be able to choose between Google Gemini and Samsung's Bixby for AI features such as message summaries, live translation, navigation and camera-based analysis, while a recording LED and detection system aim to curb covert filming, an issue that has previously earned Meta's glasses the nickname "pervert glasses". Samsung has not yet confirmed pricing or a release date but describes the glasses as a "premium" product.
In short
- Samsung and Google reveal two new smart glasses designs ahead of autumn launch.
- Glasses offer nine-hour battery life, beating Meta's rival product.
- Camera and recording LED raise similar privacy concerns to Meta's glasses.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Samsung and Google's smart glasses represent exciting technological advancement with genuine practical value, offering AI-powered features including real-time translation, navigation assistance and message summaries that enhance daily life. The manufacturers have incorporated privacy protections such as recording LEDs and detection systems, and the competitive market created by this product benefits consumers through innovation and choice—those uncomfortable with the technology simply need not purchase it.
The case against
Smart glasses with integrated cameras pose significant privacy risks that extend beyond individual consumer choice, as they introduce surveillance into shared spaces where non-users cannot easily decline to be recorded or photographed. Whilst recording LEDs are welcome safeguards, they remain inadequate—indicator lights can be disabled, covered or ignored, and cameras positioned at eye level facilitate covert recording; properly addressing these concerns requires robust regulatory frameworks and design requirements beyond manufacturer goodwill.
Explained simply
Smart glasses combine ordinary-looking eyewear with a camera, microphones and computing features. They can connect to a phone and use AI assistants to handle tasks such as translation, directions and answering questions about what the camera sees.
Samsung is developing its glasses with Google and eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. Google provides the Android XR software platform, while Samsung’s product enters a market where Meta already sells smart glasses made with Ray-Ban and Oakley.
The built-in cameras raise questions about whether people nearby know they are being recorded. A recording light and detection features are intended to make filming more visible, but privacy remains a concern for this type of wearable technology.