Samsung Electronics' Intelligent Eyewear, set for release later this year. [Provided by Samsung Electronics] 사진 확대 Samsung Electronics’ Intelligent Eyewear, set for release later this year. [Provided by Samsung Electronics]

The wearable device market, which has been driven by wireless earbuds using Bluetooth technology and smartwatches, has entered another period of upheaval. Smart rings that collect body data such as sleep and heart rate are already on the market, and smart glasses that combine artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver information right in front of the user are also being rolled out.

According to market research firm IDC on the 31st, shipments of display-free smart glasses reached 2.25 million units in the first quarter of this year, up 167% from a year earlier. IDC projected that annual shipments will reach 13.6 million units this year and climb to 27.3 million by 2030.

Smart glasses are wearable devices equipped with cameras, microphones and speakers that allow users to access smartphone functions and AI features. Unlike virtual reality (VR) devices that require a separate headset, they can be worn in everyday life like ordinary glasses, which is seen as a key factor behind market expansion.

Meta Platforms is currently leading the market. In late May, it launched its next-generation AI glasses, developed with global eyewear company EssilorLuxottica: the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta. The move expanded the sales reach of products that had previously been sold mainly in North America and other markets.

In July, the company added Korean to the list of languages supported for real-time translation. It also expanded the devices’ functions so users can take photos and videos while wearing the glasses, use Meta AI by voice, and translate conversations in real time. Responses are delivered through open-ear speakers.

Meta's smart glasses, Meta AI Glasses. [Yonhap News Agency] 사진 확대 Meta’s smart glasses, Meta AI Glasses. [Yonhap News Agency]

Samsung Electronics is also expected to join the race soon. At Samsung Unpacked in London last month, the company unveiled the key features and design of its Intelligent Eyewear. Its collaboration with global eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker drew attention by creating a form factor closer to ordinary glasses.

Samsung Electronics’ smart glasses also come with cameras, sensors, microphones and speakers. Users can capture scenes in front of them or use AI functions based on visual information. Intelligent Eyewear is scheduled to launch later this year, and competition with Meta Platforms is expected to intensify once it reaches the market.

Smart glasses are drawing attention because they allow users to handle some tasks that previously had to be checked on a smartphone screen while simply wearing the glasses. They can get voice-guided information when navigating or translating, and can use the camera to recognize objects or text in front of them.

The smart ring market is also changing. Global smart ring company Oura launched the Oura Ring 5 in Korea on the 25th. Oura said the optical sensor built into its smart ring provides more accurate and consistent measurements than wrist-worn devices.

Samsung Electronics has already released the Galaxy Ring, but smart rings themselves have not yet become mainstream in the Korean market. However, with Oura entering the market, where more than 5 million members have signed up across more than 150 countries, development of new products by Samsung Electronics and other rivals could accelerate, potentially expanding the market.

Both smart glasses and smart rings are still in the early stages of popularization, but competition is expected to intensify as major players continue to enter the field. As new product categories centered on AI and health management are added to a wearable market long led by smartwatches and wireless earbuds, the competitive landscape is likely to become more diverse.

This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.