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Considering Google I/O is a developer event that mainly focuses on software, it's rare to see any big hardware announcements. But that's exactly what's happened at this year's conference, with Samsung and Google offering a sneak peek at their new smart glasses — or "intelligent eyewear," as they've both put it.
The duo has unveiled two different designs, created with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. These aren't AR Glasses that are designed to run on Android XR, though. They're more like the Meta Ray-Ban glasses, and are designed as a way to interact with your phone and AI with your voice.
Samsung describes the glasses as being "built to understand the world alongside users in real time," with the goal being to keep users connected while staying "hands-free and heads-up." In other words, it's a way of interacting with your phone without actually having to have it out of your pocket or bag — aided by Gemini.
Features mentioned by Samsung include notification summaries, the ability to add events to your calendar, navigation assistance, personalized recommendations about locations on your walking route, and even real-time translation. The translation sounds particularly interesting, because Samsung says it will be able to match the translated audio to the speaker's own voice, while also translating text on any signs or menus that you're looking at.
And yes, these glasses do have a pair of camera lenses on the front. That helps power various AI features and will offer the ability to take photos without your phone.
Samsung has made it clear that the Intelligent Eyewear isn't just about being able to sport technology on your face. It's about expanding the Galaxy device lineup in a way that merges fashion and technology. This is no doubt why Samsung is releasing multiple designs, in collaboration with other eyewear brands.
The first collections will launch this fall in "select markets," though Samsung doesn't offer any additional details beyond that. Presumably, we'll be hearing more at Galaxy Unpacked in July, ahead of a fall release date.
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