AI Next Meta's Dominance in AI Glasses Market Challenged as Samsung and Google Enter the Field...Pre-orders Begin on the 12th

Artificial intelligence (AI) smart glasses jointly developed by Samsung Electronics and Google will begin pre-order sales starting the 12th. Leading with South Korea's global fashion eyewear brand Gentle Monster and U.S.-based Warby Parker, the two companies are making a serious challenge to the smart glasses market that has been dominated by Meta and Ray-Ban.

According to industry sources on the 8th, Gentle Monster and Warby Parker announced through their respective official channels that they will begin pre-order sales of 'Intelligent Eyewear' developed in collaboration with Samsung Electronics and Google starting November 12th. Official launch is expected to roll out sequentially beginning with the Korean and U.S. markets in mid-December.

Three-way Alliance Challenges Meta's Dominance

The product is a smart glasses that consolidates Samsung Electronics' hardware manufacturing and design technology, Qualcomm's Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 chipset, Google's extended reality (XR) dedicated platform 'Android XR,' and the generative AI service 'Gemini.'

Samsung Electronics and Google first unveiled two Intelligent Eyewear designs at the annual developer conference 'Google I/O 2026' in May, then showcased additional designs and key features at Galaxy Unpacked in July, formalizing an in-year launch.

According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, global AI glasses shipments in the first half of this year surged 263% year-over-year. Among these, voice-focused AI glasses without displays accounted for 96% of total shipments, while Meta's Ray-Ban dominated the market with a 94% market share. Samsung and Google are positioning themselves to challenge Meta by leveraging mobile OS and Gemini's search and contextual awareness capabilities.

'Ultra-lightweight' 41g Glasses Without Display

The product being released first is voice and camera-focused AI glasses rather than an augmented reality (AR) display method that projects images directly onto lenses. It provides AI services by visually recognizing surroundings using built-in cameras, multiple microphones, and speakers.

Users can launch Gemini through voice commands or by touching the frame without taking out their smartphone to check necessary information. The device supports real-time foreign language translation, directions, message checking, voice memo organization, and photo-taking functions. For example, when looking at a menu or signage while traveling abroad, the AI recognizes the user's gaze and immediately provides real-time translation.

By eliminating heavy display components, the weight has been significantly reduced to approximately 41 grams, similar to regular glasses. The battery enables up to 9 hours of continuous use on a single charge, and with the charging case, it can be charged up to 7 additional times.

Adding Fashion to Technology...Gentle Monster Opens New York Pop-up

Samsung Electronics and Google identified 'design' and 'everyday wearability' as key to popularizing smart glasses. Accordingly, they partnered with South Korea's Gentle Monster, which has a strong Gen Z fanbase, and the U.S.-based Warby Parker, which has a substantial customer base, as design partners to showcase frames in different styles.

Meanwhile, Gentle Monster plans to hold a product showcase and experience event for general consumers in New York from the 13th to the 23rd for the Intelligent Eyewear. The specific launch price will be finalized and announced at the start of pre-orders.