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They’re likely to create less of a spectacle.
Samsung has joined the tech specs arms race. The designs for the Korean tech giant’s first smart glasses have leaked ahead of their release next month — and they seem a lot lighter and sleeker than the competition.
Uncovered by independent tech media site SammyGuru, the Android XR glasses mark the latest iteration of the wearable tech, which enables hands-free recording, communication and other functions.
The most notable feature of Samsung’s inaugural gadget goggles? Their weight. According to the early product demo, these accessories weigh as little as 41 grams without prescription lenses, which will tack on some extra weight.
That’s 10 grams lighter than the camera-equipped Ray-Ban Meta glasses and several grams less than the new audio-only iterations, according to 9to5Google.com.
This rarefied airiness is impressive given that the accessories are outfitted with oodles of capabilities. Key specs include a Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip, 2GB of RAM, two speakers, four microphones, and 64GB of storage — as much as an iPhone 12.
If that wasn’t cutting-edge enough, the devices include 9 hours of battery life — up to 72 hours with a fully charged case. They also boast a 12-megapixel camera recording 3K video at 30 frames per second.
This level of juice and camera power is on par with the latest generation of META glasses, but in a lot lighter delivery vehicle.
It’s yet unclear whether these futuristic frames feature an indicator light or other safeguard against incognito recording, which has prompted nightclubs and countries alike to ban the “pervy” technology over privacy concerns.
Does the style match the substance when it comes to these so-called Galaxy glasses? According to SammyGuru, wearers have a choice of either Warby Parker or Gentle Monster frames.
The Warby Parkers come in Alden (rounded), Reid (square-ish), and Wren (cateye-ish), while Gentle Monster offers six frame styles ranging from rectangular to slim oval.
They also come in a more kaleidoscopic array of colors, including gray, purple, burgundy, brown, and more, compared to WP’s three hues: black, brown and green. The Gentle Monster variety can also accommodate prescription lenses, according to the leak.
As for compatibility, the Android XR glasses will boast basic functionality on Android phones and iPhones. Other premium features only work for Galaxy users, provided they have One UI 9 (Android 17) on their phones and Wear OS 7 on their Galaxy Watches.
The price tag and release dates remain unclear, but the smart glasses are expected to be available in the US starting in November, according to both SammyGuru and reports from Korean media.
These digitally-enhanced lenses aren’t the only anticipated accessories to be leaked of late.
In August, Apple accidentally let footage slip of its yet-to-be-released camera-equipped AirPods, sparking concerns over the product’s potential to violate people’s privacy.
“Are they trying to beat Flock for most hated mass surveillance cameras?” exclaimed one commenter while decrying the devices’ alleged spy capabilities.