Samsung Electronics Co LtdSamsung plans to launch smart glasses this year, positioning it in the growing wearable AI market.
Major technology companies and startups are racing to develop wearable AI devices that can see, hear, and understand users more deeply, paving the way for a post-smartphone era amid privacy concerns. These devices include Meta Ray-Ban AI Glasses, the Amazon Bee Pioneer wristband, the Plaud Notepin S voice recorder, and smart glasses that Samsung plans to launch this year. The goal is to give AI assistants real-time access to daily life information, enabling personalized recommendations and eventually performing tasks on behalf of users. However, a CNN reporter who tested all three devices over several months found that while they offer benefits in certain situations, such as analyzing images of tourist attractions or recording conversations at networking events, they mostly felt unnatural when asking permission to record audio, and raised concerns when AI incorrectly analyzed personal emotions or feelings. Executives from Qualcomm, Amazon, Plaud, and OpenAI all confirmed ongoing development of AI hardware, believing that AI will become more effective when it understands the context of a user's life throughout the day, potentially leading to a four-day work week and the end of keyboards and mice. Meanwhile, privacy experts warn of the risks of unauthorized image and audio recording, particularly with Meta Ray-Ban glasses, which have been used to record others without consent. Although an LED indicator light is present, experts note that some devices may be hard to notice and carry the risk of being used harmfully in private spaces.
Samsung Electronics Co LtdSamsung plans to launch smart glasses this year, positioning it in the growing wearable AI market.
Amazon.com IncAmazon is developing the Bee Pioneer wristband, a wearable AI device, indicating product demand growth.
Qualcomm IncorporatedQualcomm is confirmed developing AI hardware for wearables, benefiting from increased demand.
Meta Platforms Inc.Meta's Ray-Ban AI Glasses are highlighted as a key product in the wearable AI race, driving demand.
Plaud is developing the Notepin S voice recorder, a wearable AI device highlighted in the article as part of the race to create post-smartphone AI hardware.
OpenAI is developing AI hardware, indicating demand for its AI capabilities in wearables.