Samsung AI Devices: Earrings & Necklaces in Development
Beyond the Smartphone: Samsung Eyes AI-Powered Wearables as the Next Frontier
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Samsung is exploring a future where artificial intelligence is seamlessly integrated into our lives through a new generation of consumer electronics, moving beyond the traditional smartphone. The company envisions devices that allow for quicker interaction and task completion without the need to pull out a phone, according to Won-joon Choi, chief operating officer for Samsung’s mobile experience division.
The Wearable Revolution: From Ears to Fingers
Choi highlighted that these next-wave AI devices could take various forms, including items worn around the neck, dangling from ears, or even slipped onto a finger. “We believe it should be wearable, something that you shouldn’t carry, (that) you don’t need to carry,” Choi stated. This suggests a shift towards accessories like glasses, earrings, watches, rings, and necklaces as potential platforms for advanced AI interaction.
This strategic direction underscores the meaningful possibility tech giants perceive in developing new hardware centered around AI, a technology many believe will be as transformative as the internet itself. As AI services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini evolve beyond simple text prompts to handle more complex tasks, the demand for devices requiring less manual input than smartphones – which often rely on typing and swiping – is growing.
Smart Glasses Lead the Charge
The pursuit of these new AI-powered devices is already underway, with smart glasses at the forefront. Meta has reported success with its AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses, selling 2 million units since their 2023 launch. The company’s recent acquisition of a minority stake in Ray-Ban’s parent company, EssilorLuxottica, further signals its commitment to AI-driven wearable technology.
Samsung, alongside Google and Snap, is also actively developing its own smart glasses.Furthermore, OpenAI is collaborating with former Apple designer Jony Ive on a new, as-yet-undisclosed AI device slated for release next year.
When questioned about Samsung’s interest in smart jewelry like earrings, pendants, or bracelets, Choi confirmed that the company is “looking at all kinds of possibilities,” reiterating the focus on wearable form factors such as glasses, earrings, necklaces, watches, and rings.
Though, not all explored possibilities will necessarily translate into consumer products. Tech companies, including Samsung, routinely develop and evaluate internal prototypes without bringing them to market.
The path to replacing smartphones with new AI gadgets has seen its share of challenges. Startups have encountered difficulties, with the Humane AI Pin, developed by former Apple employees, facing a premature end due to its high price and performance issues, leading to the sale of parts of the company to HP. Similarly, the Rabbit R1 experienced a lukewarm reception upon its initial launch, though it has since received significant updates. Another contender, Friend, an AI necklace designed as a digital companion, has seen its launch delayed to the third quarter of this year.
Samsung’s strategy, as outlined by Choi, aims to differentiate itself by developing devices that act as companions to existing smartphones, much like its smartwatches, rather than standalone replacements. The company’s upcoming smart glasses, details of which remain scarce, could be the initial step in this aspiring roadmap.
“We are actively working on glasses,but some people do not want to wear glasses because they change their look,” choi acknowledged. “So we are also exploring other types of devices.” This indicates a broad exploration of wearable AI, seeking solutions that cater to diverse user preferences and integrate seamlessly into daily life.