[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Naver Maps is expanding its service to allow users to receive real-time turn-by-turn directions via AI glasses without having to look at their smartphone screens. The service provides voice guidance on the direction of travel and whether there are stairs or escalators, and users can also ask for information such as estimated arrival times or nearby convenience stores and cafes via voice commands.

Naver (NAVER(035420)) announced on the 12th that it is expanding Naver Maps’ turn-by-turn navigation to AI glasses in collaboration with Google, Samsung, and Meta—a first among domestic map services.

AI Glass navigation will first be available on Meta’s “Ray-Ban Meta” and “Oakley Meta.” Support will also be provided for Google and Samsung’s “Intelligent Eyewear,” scheduled for release later this year.

Voice-Guided Navigation Without Looking at Your Smartphone

Users can receive voice guidance to their destination via AI glasses without having to constantly check their smartphone screens while on the move.

In addition to the direction of travel, the service also provides information necessary for walking, such as whether there are stairs or escalators ahead.

Naver Maps previously introduced “Real-time Walking Directions” in June, which provides real-time voice guidance while walking, similar to in-car navigation. Through this collaboration, the company has expanded the support for this feature to include AI glasses.

AI Glass navigation will be supported on Android first and will be rolled out to iOS in stages.

“Tell me

the arrival time”… Voice search for nearby locations

A dedicated voice command feature tailored to the AI Glass environment will also be added.

Users can ask questions about their journey using voice commands—such as “Tell me my estimated arrival time” or “Find a nearby convenience store”—and receive immediate guidance.

On the Intelligent Eyewear, jointly developed by Google and Samsung, users will be able to voice-activate Naver Maps via Google’s AI “Gemini” to receive turn-by-turn directions.

It will also integrate with the local information accumulated in Naver Maps. This allows users to naturally check not only directions but also information on nearby restaurants, cafes, and other places of interest via the AI glasses while on the go.

Future Plans Include AR Routes and Store Coupons

Naver also plans to provide augmented reality (AR)-based navigation routes on future AI glasses equipped with displays.

This will involve displaying the direction of travel over the real-world view, along with information on nearby stores and available Naver Places coupons.

The vision is to expand the local experience within Naver Maps—from exploring locations to navigating and checking information about the area around your destination.

Jeong Gyeong-hwa, Head of Naver Maps, stated, “With AI glasses navigation, users will be able to naturally experience turn-by-turn directions and rich local information while focusing on their journey, without having to constantly check their smartphone screens,” adding, “We will continue to provide new mapping experiences that connect the real and digital worlds even more vividly.”