Samsung has filed a patent for a pair of smart glasses featuring a built-in customizable display and integrated vision correction. If this becomes an actual consumer product, it could be a step forward in the augmented reality (AR) and extended reality (XR) wearables segment.
One of the most notable features of it is the inclusion of prescription lens support. It eliminates the need for users to juggle between regular glasses and separate headsets. So, it addresses a major inconvenience and brings XR devices to more people.
The patent also describes a display system that uses gears to adjust the display’s position to align it better with the user’s field of view. This could address other issues like motion sickness and headaches that people usually face while using AR and VR devices.
Considering the features, the product hints at Samsung’s larger ambitions. However, the big question remains the same. Will these smart glasses make it past the concept stage?
Smart glasses are not a new idea. Several notable companies including Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oppo, and Snap experimented with various iterations and received mixed results. Google was way ahead of its time but ultimately flopped due to privacy concerns. Google Glass was introduced back in 2013 but it was costly and couldn’t attract consumers. However, it found some success in enterprise applications. Microsoft HoloLens is also confined to industrial and enterprise applications due to its bulkiness and high cost. Snapchat Spectacles leaned more into social media and offers a fun way to record and share videos. Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses attempted to merge fashion with smart technology. It asks a true AR display but is used as a camera and audio device.
If we deeply look at existing or previous products, these devices either lacked a compelling reason for daily use or were simply too bulky. Apple’s Vision Pro got much hype, but most initial consumers only bought it in FOMO and most are not using it for a long time. If Samsung wants to succeed where others fail, it needs to address these issues head-on.
Integration of prescription lenses could appeal to a wider audience than previous smart glasses. The ability to customize the display’s position could improve the user experience and reduce common issues like nausea and eye fatigue. Samsung should try to make the design attractive and comfortable. The patent images suggest thick temples, which may not appeal to those who prefer a subtle look. Samsung needs to ensure the glasses are power-efficient without compromising performance.
The XR industry is at an interesting crossroads. Apple’s Vision Pro has reignited interest in AR and VR, but mass adoption is still a long way off. AI-powered enhancements, such as real-time translation, personalized overlays, and intelligent voice assistants, could make smart glasses more appealing in the future.
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