Challenging Meta! Samsung Partners with Google to Launch Smart Glasses This Fall

Samsung Electronics unveiled smart glasses developed in collaboration with Google (GOOGL-US), eyewear brands Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster on Wednesday (22nd), revealing further details on battery life, durability, and privacy protections ahead of a planned fall 2024 launch.

Meta (META-US), partnering with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica, has successfully brought smart glasses into the mainstream. However, recent backlash on social media has reignited concerns, with some consumers worried these devices could record in public without consent. As other brands prepare to enter the market, mitigating fears of covert recording and data misuse has become a shared industry challenge.

Jaein Choi, Executive Vice President of Samsung’s Mobile Experience Division, said the company’s R&D team includes engineers dedicated to testing and implementing privacy features. Samsung’s smart glasses will automatically disable recording if users cover or block the LED indicator that signals when recording is active—a design similar to Meta’s products.

On Wednesday, Samsung also pledged not to use customer audio, screen sharing, or video data collected from its smart glasses to train AI models. Choi noted that consumer sensitivity to privacy risks varies by culture, country, and regulation, meaning this is not an issue any single company can solve alone, but one requiring industry-wide standards.

He emphasized that businesses must build consumer trust through transparent data policies, user control, and safeguards against intentional abuse. However, halting innovation entirely due to privacy concerns would stall industry progress.

Despite online controversy, demand for smart glasses is growing rapidly. IDC data shows that shipments of non-display smart glasses surged 167% in the first quarter, offering new entrants like Samsung a significant opportunity.

Samsung’s first-generation product will center on voice interaction with Google’s Gemini AI assistant, though the company has not yet announced the product name, price, or exact release date. The new glasses will integrate into Samsung’s device ecosystem, connecting with its latest foldable phones and smartwatches. If quality standards are met, Samsung plans to launch display-equipped smart glasses in the future.

The glasses feature specially designed hinges and temples to withstand twisting and pulling. With optimized component placement for even weight distribution and reduced heat on the face, battery life reaches up to 9 hours under heavy use. Samsung has tested the device for water resistance, heat, humidity, sweat, and sunscreen exposure.

The company has filed over 200 smart glasses-related patents, with only a fraction used in the first-generation product—indicating a long-term product roadmap.