Samsung showcased its Augmented Reality (AR) glasses during the CES 2020 keynote. Apart from using it for the demo of GEMS (Gait Enhancing & Motivating System) at CES 2020, no details are mentioned about this product. A patent filed by Samsung reveals some key information about a unique navigation feature of its AR glasses.
The patent listed on the USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) website was first spotted by PatentlyApple. As per the listing, the Samsung AR glasses will be able to show the turn-by-turn navigation on its transparent display. It works just like the head-up display (HUD), but comes built into the smart glasses that the company is working on.
Samsung smart glasses will display navigation information in AR
Along with the AR glasses, the setup also includes three external cameras. While two are placed near the dashboard and the visor are facing towards the driver, the third camera is facing towards the road. The dashcam like camera can read the road signs and track the vehicles in front.
With this setup, the driver can keep their eyes on the road for the entire trip. The information like turn-by-turn directions and speed limits can be shown directly on the AR glasses. Using Artificial Intelligence, the glasses can also provide contextual information when viewing at a place or an object.
For example, the glasses will show gas prices when looking at a gas station. Samsung filed for the patent in the US on May 6th, 2019 and in South Korea on November 16th, 2018.
Apple is also reportedly working on a similar feature
As per the rumors, Apple is also working on a similar feature for its smart glasses that will be available in the near future. Earlier leaks suggested that Apple Glass would be introduced alongside the new iPhone 12 lineup in the second half of this year. Apple could delay the launch until Q1 2021 because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Unlike the Microsoft HoloLens, these AR glasses will most likely be portable and might need computing from an external source. Also, expect to see limited functionality on these smart glasses. With the final product, we can expect the AR glasses to derive the power from the smartphone.
These days, smartphones are much more powerful than a basic device for communication. While there is no confirmation, Samsung might unveil these AR glasses at the upcoming CES or during the Galaxy S30 launch in 2021.
