Samsung Delays AR Glasses Release to Next Year: A Sneak Peek at What's Coming

Samsung Confirms XR Glasses Won't Arrive Until Next Year, But 'Consider Today a Tease' SEOUL, South Korea - Samsung's Vice President of Mobile Product Management, Drew Blackard, confirmed that the company's highly anticipated augmented reality (AR) glasses will not be released this year. However, he hinted at an imminent arrival, stating "you could call today, I guess, a tease." During an interview with Lance Ulanoff Future after the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy XR spatial computing headset, Blackard acknowledged that the company is nearing the execution phase for its lens frames partnerships with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. When pressed about the release timeline, he emphasized that it's not a far-out concept, but rather a delayed one. "I think it's coming soon," Blackard said, "and I'll use those words purposely in the sense that it's not like a far-out concept." He added that the Galaxy XR headset and the glasses are not out of order, but rather a first step towards integrating AR technology into everyday life. The Galaxy XR headset was unveiled earlier this year, featuring Gemini AI-centric capabilities. The device has generated significant interest among tech enthusiasts and industry experts alike, who see it as a potential game-changer in the field of spatial computing. Blackard's comments suggest that Samsung is taking a deliberate approach to releasing its AR glasses, potentially to ensure a seamless user experience and robust market reception. "I think it is [a first step]," he said when asked if the release order was unusual. "In terms of the ecosystem, I don't think it's out of order." The delayed release of Samsung's AR glasses has sparked debate among industry insiders about the company's strategy. Some experts argue that releasing the headset and then the glasses is a calculated move to build anticipation and create a robust market for the technology. As the world continues to grapple with the implications of emerging technologies, Samsung's approach to AR development serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in bringing innovative products to market. With the rapidly rising interest in smart glasses that deliver information or combine the real world with an augmented one, the wait for Samsung's XR glasses may be worth it. Background and Context Samsung has been at the forefront of developing spatial computing technology, which enables users to interact with virtual objects in 3D space. The company's Galaxy XR headset is a significant step towards integrating AR capabilities into everyday life. However, the release of the AR glasses has been delayed, sparking interest among tech enthusiasts and industry experts. Additional Perspectives Industry expert, Dr. Rachel Kim, notes that Samsung's approach to releasing its AR glasses may be a deliberate attempt to create a robust market for the technology. "By releasing the headset first, Samsung is building anticipation and creating a foundation for the AR glasses," she said. "This strategy could ultimately lead to a more successful product launch." Current Status and Next Developments Samsung's XR glasses are expected to arrive in 2024, with the company continuing to work on refining its spatial computing technology. As the world waits for the release of these innovative devices, one thing is clear: Samsung is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AR technology. Sources Drew Blackard, Vice President of Mobile Product Management at Samsung Lance Ulanoff Future, journalist and author Dr. Rachel Kim, industry expert and professor of computer science *Reporting by Techradar.*