Samsung Delays XR Glasses Release to Next Year, But Teases Exciting Future

Samsung Confirms XR Glasses Won't Arrive Until Next Year, But 'Consider Today a Tease' In a recent interview with Lance Ulanoff Future, Drew Blackard, Samsung's Vice President of Mobile Product Management, revealed that the company's highly anticipated XR glasses will not be available until next year. Despite the delay, Blackard hinted at an exciting future for the product, stating, "You could call today, I guess, a tease." The news comes as a surprise to many who were expecting Samsung to unveil its XR glasses alongside the Galaxy XR spatial computing headset and Gemini AI-centric headset at the recent launch event. However, Blackard clarified that the release of these products is not out of order, but rather a strategic approach to the market. "We're taking a phased approach to our product releases," explained Blackard. "The Galaxy XR headset is an important step in the evolution of spatial computing, and we're excited about its potential to revolutionize the way people interact with technology." When pressed for a specific release date for the XR glasses, Blackard remained tight-lipped, but assured that they are "nearing the execution phase" in partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. The partnerships aim to provide users with stylish and functional lens frames that will complement the XR glasses. The delay has sparked debate among tech enthusiasts and industry experts about the implications of Samsung's approach. Some argue that releasing the headset first is a strategic move to establish a foothold in the market, while others believe it may be a sign of technical challenges or resource constraints. Experts point out that the rise of smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) technology has been rapid in recent years, with companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft making significant strides. Samsung's decision to release its XR glasses next year may be seen as an attempt to avoid cannibalizing sales from its existing product lines or to allow for further refinement of the technology. As the tech industry continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, one thing is clear: Samsung's XR glasses will be a significant player in the market when they finally arrive. For now, fans and enthusiasts can only wait patiently, but Blackard's parting words offer some solace: "Consider today a tease." Background and Context Samsung's Galaxy XR spatial computing headset and Gemini AI-centric headset were unveiled earlier this month, marking a major milestone in the development of spatial computing technology. The headsets utilize advanced AI capabilities to create immersive experiences for users. The release of smart glasses has been gaining momentum in recent years, with companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft pushing the boundaries of AR technology. Samsung's XR glasses are expected to be a significant player in this market, but their delayed release has left many wondering about the company's strategy. Additional Perspectives Industry experts point out that releasing the headset first allows Samsung to establish a foothold in the market and create a loyal customer base before introducing more advanced products like the XR glasses. Others argue that the delay may be a sign of technical challenges or resource constraints, which could impact the final product's performance and user experience. Current Status and Next Developments Samsung's XR glasses are expected to arrive next year, but no specific release date has been announced. The company is working closely with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to develop stylish and functional lens frames that will complement the XR glasses. As the tech industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Samsung's XR glasses will be a significant player in the market when they finally arrive. Sources Drew Blackard, Vice President of Mobile Product Management at Samsung Lance Ulanoff Future *Reporting by Techradar.*