Samsung expected to launch its Google Glass competitor in September

By Andy Boxall May 14, 2014

Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

An anonymous Samsung source has told Business Korea that the company is preparing to reveal its Google Glass competitor towards the end of the year. Referring to the product as Gear Glass, it’ll apparently be one of Samsung’s product highlights at the IFA tech trade show held in September.

The source also reveals that like the new Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo smartwatches, Gear Glass will make use of Samsung’s Tizen operating system, and not Google Android. Tizen has had a difficult start to life, suffering from various delays, but it has gathered pace recently following its debut on Samsung’s wearable range.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about Samsung’s smart glass plans. In January, another Korean report also indicated the glasses – then known as Galaxy Glass – would be revealed at the IFA show. Additionally, a patent filed at the end of 2013 showed a pair of glasses with a similar design to Google Glass.

However, the most recent information suggests Samsung may have chosen not to follow that design. Instead, Gear Glass may have more in common with Vuzix’s M100 smart glass. Apparently, the design “combines an ear piece and display” so wearers can hear instructions or listen to music while viewing content and information on the tiny screen. A concept drawing makes it look slightly ungainly, and a little too much like a traditional Bluetooth earpiece. Not something we want to wear all day.

If the story is accurate, IFA 2014 is shaping up to be a very important event for Samsung. For the last few years, it has been the launchpad for a new Galaxy Note, while in 2013, the Galaxy Gear smartwatch was introduced for the first time. This year could have a similar theme, we should expect the Galaxy Note 4, which is shaping up to be very exciting, and Gear Glass to take center stage. The show is scheduled to begin on September 5.

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