Samsung Haean: The New Android-Powered Smart Glasses on the Horizon

Samsung is reportedly nearing the completion of its first Android-powered smart glasses, known as Haean. These smart glasses may make their debut later this year alongside Samsung’s awaited XR headset known as Project Moohan. A recent report by South Korean news outlet ETNews suggests that Haean aims to offer a lightweight and wearable alternative to the bulkier mixed reality (MR) headsets, such as Apple’s Vision Pro.

A Fresh Player in the XR Wearables Market

Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm have collaborated on Project Moohan for several years. However, new information indicates that Samsung is also developing at least two additional XR devices: Haean and another project currently referred to as Jinju. While Moohan, also marketed as Galaxy XR, is anticipated to be a premium head-mounted device intended for indoor environments, Haean is expected to feature smart glasses that are slim and lightweight enough for outdoor use, resembling the Meta RayBan glasses. Details regarding the design of Jinju remain uncertain.

Specifications and Features

The Haean smart glasses are anticipated to include a built-in display that projects information directly onto the lenses, complemented by integrated speakers for audio feedback. ETNews reports that Samsung is focusing on a design that comfortably accommodates various face shapes while removing the necessity for remote controls or physical buttons. Instead, these glasses are expected to utilise built-in cameras and sensors for movement tracking and gesture-based interaction, similar to Samsung’s Project Moohan headset and Apple’s Vision Pro.

Leaks suggest that Haean might be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 chip alongside a secondary processor from NXP. The device is likely to incorporate a 12MP camera, possibly utilising Sony’s IMX681 CMOS sensor, which would facilitate vision-centric features like QR code scanning, facial recognition, and hand-gesture commands. The battery is rumoured to possess a capacity of 155mAh, and the glasses are expected to weigh around 150 grams, ranking them among the lightest options available in the market.

AI Integration and Software Features

One of the prominent features of Haean is expected to be AI integration. Samsung aims to integrate Google’s Gemini assistant, drawing parallels to the AI-enabled Meta RayBans. Previous indications suggested that Samsung’s initial version of smart glasses might lack a display, but the latest updates reflect a strategic pivot likely influenced by Google’s reveal of Android XR glasses featuring built-in display technology.

Expected Launch Timeline and Market Influence

Samsung has already indicated plans to release Project Moohan in 2025, with sources suggesting that Haean could be announced concurrently. ETNews reveals that Samsung is aiming for a full-scale launch within the year, preparing an initial production run of 500,000 units, potentially showcasing the product at the next Unpacked event in July.

While Google has hinted at its own Gemini-powered smart glasses, no concrete timeline has been disclosed. Samsung’s introduction of the smart glasses marks a significant milestone in shaping the landscape of Android-powered XR wearables, potentially providing consumers with a more affordable alternative to high-end MR headsets. Although specific pricing information is yet to be revealed, Samsung’s Project Moohan is estimated to retail around $2,500 in the United States, leading to speculation that Haean will be offered at a more budget-friendly price point.