I’m thrilled about Meta’s latest glasses, but I can’t wait for Google and Samsung’s Android XR glasses to arrive.
Meta has recently revealed its second-generation AI smart glasses, featuring some significant enhancements while retaining the same fashionable design. Although I haven’t yet embraced the smart glasses trend, the new products from Meta have generated a lot of enthusiasm within me for this expanding category.
At the same time, rumors suggest that Samsung is developing its own AI glasses, which may debut as early as October, coinciding with the release of the more robust Project Moohan XR headset. These products hold great potential, especially as the first real contenders against the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2). However, given that this latest generation marks Meta’s third attempt at smart glasses, both Samsung and Google will need to catch up in terms of hardware and software to compensate for previous delays.
All the necessary upgrades
It has only been in recent years that smart glasses have begun to gain momentum, largely because of Meta’s influence. In 2021, it felt somewhat unusual for Meta to venture into this uncertain market, yet the success of the previous generation Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses demonstrated that this is a thriving category for the company.
To be honest, the last-gen model was the first time I felt even slightly intrigued by smart glasses. I was amazed by their ability to recognize what was in front of me while looking like something anyone could wear, unlike the earlier versions of Google Glass.
Regrettably, there were some drawbacks with the glasses, particularly concerning battery life. This was undoubtedly the primary reason I hesitated to purchase them, but fortunately, Gen 2 seems to have resolved this issue.
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) is said to last up to eight hours on a single charge with mixed usage. This seems entirely adequate for a device like this, which I probably won’t use constantly aside from the occasional inquiry, listening to music, and capturing a photo or video from time to time.
Meta has also enhanced the video capture quality to a 3K resolution. As someone who enjoys recording videos to share on my Instagram stories or Reels, this is a fantastic improvement. I will likely continue using 1080p, as I genuinely believe anything beyond that is unnecessary for social media, but having the option is certainly appealing.
Samsung’s smart glasses might be equally intriguing
We’ve seen and heard plenty about Samsung’s Project Moohan and Google’s Android XR initiatives, yet there hasn’t been as much information regarding Samsung’s prospective competitors to the Ray-Ban Meta. Reports indicate that the glasses, referred to as Project Haean, could launch under the aptly titled “Samsung Galaxy Glasses” name and offer audio-only functionality, complete with a camera and quick access to AI assistants.
This already sounds quite enticing to me, especially since Samsung has concentrated much of its effort on Gemini lately, which has become a vital part of my daily routine. Gemini’s more intuitive conversational capabilities, along with features like Gemini Live, which can effortlessly recognize what it observes and even remember information for you, would blend very well in a pair of smart glasses.
This could also present a strong challenge to the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), as Samsung and Google possess the ecosystem required to support Gemini’s functionalities. On one side, Meta’s services have become quite widespread, with applications like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp installed across hundreds of millions of smartphones, along with Meta AI integrated into these apps (whether we appreciate it or not). This, together with the increasing popularity of Meta’s glasses, provides it with significant presence in the consumer mindset.
Conversely, Google and Samsung have been promoting Gemini’s features on their devices. Observe any Pixel 10 advertisement, and you’ll notice that the emphasis is less on the phone itself and more on how Gemini can enhance your daily life. This type of marketing is frankly very effective, and I anticipate this would translate exceptionally well with Android XR glasses.
Additionally, these glasses would likely have a stronger connection with Android devices compared to Meta’s, which is another distinguishing factor that could benefit Samsung. Imagine receiving real-time Maps directions, creating new events in the Calendar, or translating conversations with Google Translate, all without needing to pull out your phone.
Hands-free access to your favorite Google applications could be a significant incentive over Meta.
Another Galaxy Ring scenario?
If Samsung aims for its “Galaxy Glasses” to be successful, it must do more than rely on its brand to drive sales. We’ve witnessed Samsung entering new product areas lately with devices like the Galaxy Ring, and while it was a commendable attempt to penetrate a burgeoning market, it’s still a pricey product that feels somewhat like a secondary option compared to the Oura Ring.
Samsung will need to present a compelling justification for why consumers should choose smart glasses and why they should pick its version over Meta’s. For that to occur, Samsung must accomplish three key objectives—
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