Samsung is exploring the development of new wearable devices, which may encompass earrings and necklaces, as part of a broader industry initiative to innovate AI-powered consumer electronics.
In a recent statement to the media, Won-joon Choi, the chief operating officer of Samsung’s mobile experience division, highlighted the potential of AI to usher in a new era of devices. These innovations facilitate faster communication and task completion without the need to reach for a phone.
Samsung is exploring innovative new devices that may be worn around the neck, dangled from the ears, or slipped onto the finger.
“Our vision is for it to be wearable, an item that you shouldn’t have to carry, something you don’t need to carry,” he stated. “It could encompass various accessories such as glasses, earrings, watches, rings, and occasionally a necklace.”
Choi’s remarks highlight the potential that technology giants perceive in creating new hardware products centred on AI. This technology could have an impact comparable to that of the Internet.
AI services such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are evolving past simple text prompts, demonstrating improved capabilities in managing intricate tasks. As a result, major technology companies are exploring devices that minimise the need for manual input, moving away from the traditional reliance on typing and swiping on smartphone screens.
The search has commenced, with an initial focus on smart glasses. Meta has proclaimed its AI-driven Ray-Ban smart glasses a success, with sales reaching 2 million units since their launch in 2023. According to Bloomberg, the parent company of Facebook has recently secured a minority stake in EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, highlighting the firm’s growing interest in AI-driven wearable technology.
Samsung, Google, and Snap are in the process of developing smart glasses. Meanwhile, OpenAI is partnering with former Apple designer Jony Ive on an enigmatic new AI device set to launch next year.
In response to CNN’s inquiry about Samsung’s potential development of innovative jewellery, including earrings, pendants, or bracelets, Choi stated that the company is “looking at all kinds of possibilities.”
“What is your choice of attire?” “Glasses, earrings, necklaces, watches, and rings—items along those lines,” he stated.
Nonetheless, this does not guarantee that these possibilities will translate into actual products. Samsung, along with various other technology firms, frequently engages in the development of prototypes and the internal assessment of new technologies, often opting not to introduce these innovations to the market.
Several tech startups have attempted, albeit without success, to create innovative AI gadgets aimed at replacing smartphones for specific tasks.
The Humane AI Pin, developed by former Apple employees, has struggled in the market due to its steep price point and unreliable functionality. In February, the company discontinued the product and divested portions of its operations to the computing powerhouse HP. The Rabbit R1, another device, was introduced last year but received a tepid response. However, it has since seen substantial updates. A startup named Friend has developed an AI necklace designed to serve as a digital companion; however, its launch has been postponed until the third quarter of this year.
According to Choi, Samsung’s strategy diverges from specific alternatives by introducing a device designed to complement your phone, rather than functioning as an independent product, akin to the company’s smartwatches.
The company’s forthcoming smart glasses, details of which remain largely undisclosed, may represent merely the beginning of its innovative endeavours.
“We are currently developing glasses, but there are individuals who prefer not to wear them due to the impact on their appearance,” he stated. “We are currently investigating additional types of devices.”
