Samsung to launch Gemini-powered AI smart glasses in December

A diverse fashion lineup

Samsung Electronics has announced its new Intelligent Eyewear, a line of AI-powered smart glasses designed to blend technology with style. To ensure a wide appeal, the company partnered with two major eyewear brands: the South Korean brand Gentle Monster and the U.S. retailer Warby Parker. This collaboration resulted in a total of 30 different designs for consumers to choose from.

The collection includes 16 models from Gentle Monster and 14 models from Warby Parker. Gentle Monster offers six frame designs in colors like black, gray, and dark red, while Warby Parker provides three designs in pine, saddle, and jet-black. Customers have the flexibility to select their preferred frame styles and lens colors based on their personal tastes.

The glasses are scheduled to officially launch on December 10 in both the United States and South Korea. While both brands will be available in the U.S., only the Gentle Monster models will be sold in the South Korean market. Preorders for both brands began on Thursday through their respective official online channels.

How the AI interprets the world

At the core of the Intelligent Eyewear is Google's Gemini artificial intelligence system. This technology allows the glasses to recognize the wearer's surroundings and interact through natural conversation. Users can ask questions about specific buildings or objects they see in front of them, making the device a functional tool for exploration and information gathering.

The glasses are equipped with a 12-megapixel high-dynamic-range camera located on the left side of the frame. This camera captures photographs and videos, but it also provides the visual data necessary for the AI to interpret the environment. For example, a user can photograph information on a whiteboard during a meeting and ask Gemini to summarize that content.

The system is designed to handle practical everyday tasks like translating foreign-language restaurant menus or providing directions through mapping applications. To keep the experience seamless, the glasses also allow users to hear important notifications and respond to messages without needing to pull out a smartphone. The device is restricted to users aged 18 and older, requiring age verification during the initial setup.

Hardware and split-computing

Samsung utilized its mobile hardware technology to ensure the glasses remain lightweight and wearable. The main components are housed within frames that weigh approximately 41 grams. To manage the power and processing requirements of the AI, the glasses use a split-computing system. This system distributes specific processing tasks between the eyewear itself and a connected Galaxy smartphone.

The hardware is powered by Qualcomm's first-generation Snapdragon AR1 platform. This setup supports voice commands, phone calls, and media playback through two open-ear speakers and four microphones. The open-ear design allows users to stay aware of their surroundings while still receiving audio input from the device.

Battery life is a significant factor for wearable tech, and Samsung claims the glasses provide up to nine hours of use on a single charge. For longer periods of use, a dedicated charging case can extend the total battery life to as much as 72 hours. This allows for multi-day use without needing to constantly plug the glasses into a power source.

Privacy and user experience

Because the glasses include a camera capable of capturing images and video, Samsung has included several privacy features. An external LED indicator will light up whenever the camera is recording. Additionally, there is an internal indicator and audible alerts to notify the wearer when a recording is currently in progress.

During Gemini Live conversations, the system is designed to filter out voices other than the wearer's to improve accuracy and privacy. This ensures that the AI focuses on the user's specific prompts while minimizing the pickup of background noise or other people's speech. These features aim to make the interaction feel more like a private conversation with an assistant.

The glasses will integrate directly with the Samsung Notes app on connected smartphones. When a user captures a summary of a meeting or other written information, the results can be saved directly to their notes. This creates a streamlined workflow for professionals who need to capture and organize information quickly while on the move.

Launch details and pricing

The Intelligent Eyewear will be available in a price range of 650,000 won to 700,000 won in South Korea. This converts to approximately $488 to $525 depending on the specific model selected. The pricing reflects the variety of designs and the integration of high-end AI features into a wearable form factor.

In South Korea, consumers will have the opportunity to try on and purchase Gentle Monster products at brand stores nationwide starting on the launch date. Samsung will also host demonstrations at select locations, including the Samsung Gangnam and Samsung Store Hongdae in Seoul. These locations will serve as hubs for people to see the technology in person.

The partnership with Google, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker represents a significant effort to combine high-end fashion with advanced AI. By offering 30 different designs, Samsung is attempting to move smart glasses out of the niche

Next steps for the rollout

The official launch on December 10 marks the beginning of the commercial rollout for these devices. Samsung will focus on establishing the glasses as a primary tool for both personal exploration and workplace productivity. The integration with the Galaxy ecosystem is a key part of this strategy, ensuring that the glasses feel like a natural extension of the user's existing devices.

As the product hits the market, the focus will likely shift to how users interact with Gemini in real-world settings. The ability to summarize whiteboards and translate menus provides immediate utility, but the long-term success will depend on the accuracy of the AI's environmental recognition. Samsung's use of split-computing suggests they are looking for a balance between on-device speed and cloud-based power.

Consumers interested in the new eyewear can begin looking at the official online channels of Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. These platforms are currently accepting preorders, allowing early adopters to secure their preferred designs before the December launch. The availability of different models across different regions means that U.S. customers will have a broader selection of brands compared to those in South Korea.