Samsung's next reality? Two XR smart glasses & AR on the horizon

Samsung is currently developing two smart XR/AR glasses projects, codenamed "Jinju" and "Haean".

Image: Samsung

The augmented and mixed reality landscape is poised for a significant shake-up, and it seems Samsung is gearing up to make a grand entrance. The South Korean tech giant, renowned globally for its leading smartphones, is reportedly setting its sights firmly on the world of immersive experiences. Whispers from the tech grapevine suggest that Samsung is diligently working on not one but potentially two new XR smart glasses projects, signaling a serious push into augmented and mixed reality.

The buzz around the XR field is certainly heating up, and Samsung's entry could be the game-changer many have been anticipating. Following the official plan of their VR headset, codenamed "Project Moohan," which is a collaboration with Qualcomm and is potentially slated to be marketed as the Galaxy XR, the company is reportedly exploring even further.

According to recent reports originating from Korean news outlet ET News, Samsung is deeply involved in the development of at least two additional projects, internally known as "Haean" and "Jinju." These reports paint a picture of Samsung aiming to create truly wearable, everyday smart glasses with mixed reality capabilities. Imagine sleek frames that seamlessly integrate technology, featuring discreet cameras and various sensors, all while potentially utilizing the frames themselves for audio transmission. The vision is clearly one of blending the digital and physical worlds in a comfortable and unobtrusive way.

While the excitement is palpable, it's important to manage expectations regarding immediate availability. The reports suggest that these ambitious projects, particularly the "Haean" and "Jinju" smart glasses, are still in the exploratory phase. The design and features are still being refined, indicating that a launch this year is less likely.

However, there's a strong indication that "Project Moohan" (likely the Galaxy XR) could see the light of day sooner. Having been officially confirmed last year, we'll probably witness its unveiling sometime in the near future. This raises the crucial question: Can Samsung carve out a significant space and ultimately dominate the competitive mixed reality arena?

The landscape is already populated by established players with years of experience and compelling products. We see the presence of Meta with their Ray-Ban smart glasses and the popular Meta Quest series, not to mention Samsung's direct rival, Apple, with their innovative Vision Pro. While Apple's offering has generated considerable interest, it's also facing the challenge of a premium price point. The rumored price tag for the Galaxy XR in the United States, at least $2500, suggests Samsung is aiming for a similar high-end market.

Ultimately, the true measure of success will lie in the features, user experience, and the price point Samsung ultimately offers. As more details emerge about these exciting XR smart glasses and the broader AR strategy, the industry will be watching with keen interest.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow these developments closely. We'll bring you the latest information as it becomes available. 

In the meantime, we'd love to hear your thoughts on Samsung's potential foray into the world of augmented reality devices and the upcoming Galaxy XR. Share your opinions in the comments below!