Augmented reality glasses may developed in the future by Samsung based on the latest patent applications spotted by Patently Apple.
The document submitted to the US Patent & Trademark Office shows a foldable device that looks more like a typical pair of glasses, with much thicker frames to accommodate its electronic components compared to the Samsung Gear VR.
Although the final product may end up differently, the current design is an eyepiece that automatically switches on whenever it’s unfolded.
The glasses’ projector (mounted on the temple) would beam images on the small display placed over the wearer’s field of view as long as one of the pair’s temples is unfolded.
Samsung is thinking of using magnetic sensors to make sure it remains in the unfolded position until the wearer deliberately folds it.
The tech giant didn’t specify what components it intends to use since it’s just a patent application that may never come to fruition.
It did give ARM-based processors as an example of the kind it might use if the company ever decides to push through with the device’s development.
In 2013, Google created the Google Glass which had the functions of a smartphone in a wearable tech format.
Wearers communicated to the Internet using voice commands.