Samsung’s product range is ubiquitous, and when it comes to the mobile industry, the South Korean outfit has proven time and again that it is unafraid to experiment and, if necessary, hit every corner of every market going. The sheer number of smartphones it currently has on sale only underlines this point, but with the phablet market locked down with the Galaxy Note and the Galaxy Gear ensuring a smartwatch entry, the company may now be turning its attentions to Google’s Glass. As The Korea Times Reports, Samsung is apparently prepping its own flavor of face computer, and all could be revealed as soon as IFA in September.
Although we’ve not really heard much by way of reports with regards to any potential smartglass endeavor from Samsung, it was always going to be inevitable that eventually, the company would begin developing its own version. The Korea Times has been in contact with Samsung officials who’ve apparently conceded that such a product is in development, and Berlin’s IFA trade show could well play host to the grand unveiling.
Although, at this point, it would seem only natural to dub the Samsung smartglass as “Galaxy Glass,” if we’re being frank, it’s heavily unlikely to be called anything else if and when it is revealed for the first time. The company seems pretty taken with this particular moniker for smartphones, tablets and smartwatches, so it would only be natural that the first face-worn gizmo from the Seoul-based manufacturer should be treated in a similar manner.
One of the sourced Samsung officials also made an interesting point about wearable tech in general, stating that:
wearable devices can’t generate profits immediately. Steady releases of devices are showing our firm commitment as a leader in new markets.
This is certainly true to a degree, but it doesn’t cover the fact that the Galaxy Gear has been an all-round disappointment. Poor functionality and high prices have seen the device labeled a gimmick by some, and while, yes, there is some substance to what the Samsung official has stated, it must also be noted that the Pebble, with its new app store and improvements, is arguably the one showing “firm commitment” as a new market leader.
As for the Galaxy Glass, it would function similarly to Google’s, pairing to a smartphone for music playback, notifications, etc. Essentially, from what we can glean from the report, this will very much be Samsung’s Galaxy Tab to Google’s Nexus 7.
But, it’s worthwhile noting that this isn’t the first time we’re hearing about Samsung developing its own version of Glass. Back in October of last year, we heard rumors of a mythical device called the Gear Glass, but it never bear fruit. But seeing today’s report, it’s safe to say that such a device might actually exist.
Still, after piggybacking off Google for so long, is Samsung ready to mount some serious competition against its partner-in-crime?
(Source: TheKoreaTimes)
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