It wasn’t a product launch, it wasn’t an anticipated keynote, and it wasn’t a release that made headlines across the tech world. What did happen though, is that Samsung casually showed off their supposed AR headset that is intended for exercise.
The entire showcase of the new Samsung product(s) was different to say the least. When is the last time that a company as large and high-profile as Samsung simply showed some AR glasses without mentioning them in detail at all? The part of the keynote that was showed the AR glasses wasn’t intended for that, as they were showing the Gait Enhancing & Motivating System (GEMS) in a demo. This is designed to motivate Samsung users to workout and use digital help while they are getting their sweat on.
The rep that was on stage was wearing an exoskeleton that was intended to track activity and evaluate workout performance. The rep then casually says “I’ll put on my AR glasses…” no warning was given that Samsung was breaking out these glasses. Just a simple demo and poof, they were gone as fast as they came.
There were no specs, price, or even name given to these Samsung glasses. They appeared to be giving an AR model life as she was a personal trainer that was assisting you through your workout. It wasn’t told what the headset was being powered by, as the rep simply had a black cord coming out of her chest. Samsung is playing this product close to the chest, in every single meaning.
The product that was shown is very similar to both the Nreal glasses as well as the Magic Leap One glasses. All three need to be tethered, and all three don’t look like 100% consumer-ready products. Of course, many consumers will be drawn to the idea of augmented reality, but it isn’t a perfect product that is going to get mass adoption.
Either Samsung is joining the party of companies released half-baked AR products or they simply needed to show this as a part of the GEMS product line. If that was the case, will we not see GEMS until the AR headset is ready? The lack of information that Samsung gave us is going to give us plenty of questions to ponder over the next few days.
The company may have another surprise keynote or showcase, but for now, it seems like an odd way to introduce augmented reality to the millions of dedicated Samsung users. For more CES 2020 news and VR community updates, make sure to check back at VRGear.com.
