In early 2023, Samsung officially confirmed that it is indeed working on an augmented reality (AR) headset, in partnership with Google and Qualcomm. Today, a new report sheds more light on what could be the company’s first AR headset. From the first look, as detailed in a recently published patent and first reported by 91Mobiles, it seems Samsung wants to take on the Apple Vision Pro.
Samsung’s new patent suggests augmented reality headset is still in works
According to 91Mobiles, Samsung has filed a new patent for a head-mounted device (HMD) that uses augmented reality (AR) technology in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database. It’s titled “Wearable Device for Displaying Visual Object for Adjusting Visibility of Virtual Object, and Method Thereof”.
The technical details of the potential AR headset remain under wraps, as the display type — whether it will use LCD or OLED, or a flat or flexible display — has not been confirmed yet. The report mentions that the device could feature lenses for the eyes, along with a processor (likely from Qualcomm, thanks to the partnership), RAM, SSD, cache memory, and other sensors for rendering and visuals.
The device could support connectivity options such as 5G, 6G, Bluetooth, NFC, and LAN. For output, it may include a display and speakers, while input could come from a remote controller, hand/eye/head gestures, or speech. What remains unknown is whether it will be a standalone device, like the Apple Vision Pro, or if it will require a Galaxy device to pair with.
But, would Samsung’s AR headset be standalone?
That’s a key question to consider, especially after Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon made an interesting statement during an interview with CNBC in September. Amon said he wants everyone with a phone to “go buy companion glasses to go along with it.” So, for now, the best move might be to sit tight and see how Samsung enters into the AR and HMD space.
While Apple Vision Pro is a standalone device, its sales didn’t meet initial expectations. Contrary to market estimates of selling around 800k units, demand has dropped significantly. Per latest reports, Apple is exploring other ways to bring an affordable variant by joining hands with Samsung.
