Samsung is considering the development of new wearable devices, potentially including earrings and necklaces, as part of a broader industry trend towards AI-powered consumer electronics. According to Won-joon Choi, chief operating officer for Samsung’s mobile experience division, these innovations aim to enhance user communication and efficiency without needing to rely on smartphones.
Choi articulated this vision during an interview with CNN, highlighting the concept of wearables that people can incorporate into their daily lives. “We believe it should be wearable, something that you shouldn’t carry, (that) you don’t need to carry,” he stated. He mentioned a variety of potential forms these devices might take, such as glasses, earrings, watches, rings, or necklaces.
Tech Giants Embrace AI Innovations
The drive to create AI-enabled devices reflects the significant opportunities that technology companies see in this sector. Choi noted that advancements in artificial intelligence could pave the way for products that require minimal manual input. This shift is evident in the evolution of AI services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, which are increasingly adept at handling complex tasks.
Competition in the AI wearables market is intensifying. Meta, for instance, has successfully marketed its AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses, selling over 2 million units since their launch in 2023. The company has also recently acquired a minority stake in EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, signaling a strong commitment to the development of AI-centric gadgets.
Other companies, including Samsung, Google, and Snap, are actively pursuing advancements in smart glasses technology. Meanwhile, OpenAI and former Apple designer Jony Ive are collaborating on a new AI device slated for release next year.
Exploring Possibilities for Wearable Technology
When asked about the potential for developing earrings or other smart jewelry, Choi affirmed that Samsung is “looking at all kinds of possibilities.” He elaborated on various wearable forms, saying, “What do you wear? Glasses, earrings… necklaces, watches and rings, something like those.”
Despite this exploration, there is no guarantee that these concepts will materialize into consumer products. Technology companies, including Samsung, frequently develop and test prototypes internally without moving them to market. The landscape for AI gadgets is filled with challenges, as evidenced by the experiences of several startups that have attempted to replace smartphones with alternative devices.
For instance, the Humane AI Pin, created by Apple veterans, struggled with high pricing and performance issues, leading to its discontinuation and subsequent sale of its assets to computing giant HP in February 2023. Another device, the Rabbit R1, received a tepid response upon its release last year but has since undergone significant updates.
Moreover, a startup named Friend has developed an AI necklace intended as a digital companion, with its launch now postponed until the third quarter of 2024. Unlike these ventures, Samsung’s envisioned approach focuses on devices that complement smartphones, similar to the functionality of its existing smartwatches.
Choi noted that while Samsung is actively working on smart glasses, it acknowledges that not all consumers are inclined to wear them due to aesthetic concerns. Therefore, the company is also keen on exploring a range of other device types.
As Samsung navigates this dynamic landscape, the company’s commitment to enhancing user experience through innovative wearables is evident. The anticipated smart glasses, along with potential new accessories, could represent the beginning of a new era in consumer electronics, driven by the capabilities of artificial intelligence.