Samsung smart glasses set for next year, but an unexpected competitor takes the lead.

Samsung smart glasses set for next year, but an unexpected competitor takes the lead.

HTC Surpasses Samsung in AI Smart Glasses Race

While Samsung’s anticipated smart glasses are slated for 2026, the Taiwan‐based HTC has leapt ahead of the South Korean giant into the AI smart glasses arena.

From Phones to Virtual Reality, HTC’s New Focus

  • HTC once delivered iconic phones such as the HTC One, One M8, and One M9 before withdrawing from the mobile market.
  • The company redirected its resources toward the Vive virtual reality headset.
  • Now HTC has ventured into AI smart glasses, competing directly with emerging players like Meta and Snapchat.

Smart Glasses: A Growing Market Segment

Products such as Ray‑Ban Meta and Snapchat Specs have popularized the glasses form factor, but serious competition is now unfolding. HTC’s entry signals that the market will become increasingly crowded, with multiple brands offering distinct AI capabilities.

Key Takeaway

The fact that HTC has already entered the AI smart glasses market before Samsung indicates that the race for first‑to‑market is tightening. Consumers and investors will watch closely to see which brand offers the best combination of vision, audio, and AI integration.

Samsung isn’t alone

Samsung Eyes 2026 Smart‑Glasses Launch

Why 2026 Still a Year Out

According to a SE Daily report in GSMArena, Samsung plans to unveil its first line of smart glasses in late 2026. That means any wearable eyewear from the brand will likely arrive next year.

Design and Features

  • Glasses will mirror the Ray‑Ban Meta Specs in look.
  • Built‑in speakers, microphone, and camera from the start.
  • Separate from Samsung’s AR specs (display‑based) that are being developed with Google.

Competition in 2026

Samsung isn’t the only name expected to shake the smart‑glasses market by 2026. Google demonstrated its Android XR glasses at the IO 2025 keynote, and the first pair—made by partner Warby Parker—could arrive next year.

Meet the 2025 Smart‑Glasses Line

Enter a brand that, while established, may feel a bit forgotten: A fresh set of smart glasses set to launch in 2025. This lineup could set the tone for how the industry embraces wearable technology in the coming years.

Meet the HTC Vive Eagle

A man wearing the HTC Vive Eagle smart glasses

HTC’s Vive Eagle Smart Glasses

Vivid Features:

  • 12‑MP ultra‑wide camera with LED indicator
  • 235 mAh battery plus magnetic fast‑charging
  • 49 g lightweight frame
  • Open‑ear speakers that leave ears free

AI Voice Control:

  • HTC’s Vive AI assistant
  • Compatible with ChatGPT and Google Gemini
  • Hands‑free commands for camera capture, music playback, and more detailed queries

Real‑Time Language Translation:

  • 13 supported languages: Arabic, Traditional Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Thai & Turkish

Battery Life:

  • 4.5 hours of continuous music on a single charge
  • Up to 36 hours in standby mode

Availability & Pricing

HTC’s Vive Eagle glasses are available only in Taiwan at the moment. Pre‑orders have opened, with an expected release date of September 1. Four color options are offered: Berry, Coffee, Grey, and Black. The price is NT$15,600 (approximately $500).

Future Outlook

It remains uncertain whether the smart glasses will expand into other markets. Keep an eye on this space as the smart‑glasses arena heats up, especially after Oakley’s initial foray a few months ago.

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