Samsung is venturing into the innovative realm of wearable technology, with a particular focus on developing accessories such as earrings and necklaces. This move is part of a broader trend within the tech industry, where major players are enthusiastically exploring AI-driven consumer electronics. Recently, Won-joon Choi, Samsung’s Chief Operating Officer for the Mobile Experience Division, shared insights with CNN about the potential of these new devices during an interview this week.
Choi articulated that advancements in artificial intelligence could lead to a new series of devices designed to enhance user efficiency by minimizing the reliance on smartphones. He emphasized the ambition to create gadgets that users can easily wear, integrating seamlessly into their daily lives without the necessity of being carried. This could encompass a range of wearable items including necklaces, glasses, bracelets, and rings, highlighting the company’s vision to shift to more user-friendly technology that aligns with modern lifestyles.
The growing intersection of AI and hardware innovation is pivotal, with industry experts asserting that the impact of artificial intelligence may rival that of the internet. Tools like ChatGPT by OpenAI and Google’s Gemini are evolving to manage an increasingly complex array of tasks, prompting tech giants to explore alternatives to traditional smartphones. This exploration is notably characterized by a decrease in manual input requirements, broadening the spectrum of interaction users can have with their devices.
The race to create smarter wearable technology is already in full flux, as evidenced by Meta’s promotion of its AI-infused Ray-Ban smart glasses. These glasses have reportedly sold about two million units since their launch in 2023, illustrating a successful market entry. Recent developments have also seen Meta acquire a minority interest in EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, further indicating a serious commitment to AI-driven wearables. Other companies like Google, Snap, and even notable figures such as ex-Apple designer Jony Ive are also diving into the creation of smart glasses, underlining a collective industry excitement.
When directly queried about Samsung’s interest in jewelry items, such as smart earrings or pendants, Choi acknowledged the company’s openness to exploring all conceivable possibilities. He pointed out that everyday wearables – what consumers might typically don like glasses, earrings, necklaces, watches, and rings – are on the table for potential development. However, he cautioned that while the company is exploring these options, not every idea will necessarily manifest as a consumer product. Tech companies, including Samsung, often undertake the process of developing prototypes without guaranteeing a market release.
The road to wearable technology, however, has not been without hurdles. Several startups have previously attempted to introduce AI gadgets intended to supplant certain smartphone functionalities, often with disappointing outcomes. The Humane AI Pin, created by former Apple employees, notably failed due to its exorbitant pricing and software issues, resulting in its retraction from the market after a sale to HP. Another device, the Rabbit R1, debuted to lukewarm interest last year, even though it has since received crucial updates. Furthermore, a company named Friend unveiled an AI necklace aimed at providing users with a digital companion, though its launch has faced delays until later this year.
In contrast to these ventures, Samsung plans to position its forthcoming devices as companions to smartphones rather than standalone alternatives, likening them to the functionality of its existing smartwatches. This interconnectedness with mobile devices reflects Samsung’s understanding of consumer behavior and the intricacies of technology integration in everyday life.
The anticipation surrounding Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses hints at broader ambitions within the realm of wearables, although details remain sparse. Choi further noted that, given some people’s reluctance to wear glasses due to aesthetics, the company is actively investigating various other wearable forms. This adaptability reflects Samsung’s commitment to addressing diverse consumer preferences, ensuring that innovation aligns not only with technological advancement but also with personal style and practicality. As these developments unfold, the company’s approach may shape the future landscape of wearable technology, blending functionality with fashion in unprecedented ways.
