[Edaily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] If someone is wearing smart glasses and looking at you, you might wonder if they’re secretly recording you. In response to privacy concerns regarding AI glasses equipped with cameras, SamsungElectronics and Google have implemented a safety feature that prevents the camera from operating if the recording indicator light is covered. They have also strengthened privacy protection features, such as automatically blurring the faces of people in the vicinity and ensuring that video data recognized by AI is not used for training or advertising purposes.

SamsungElectronics(005930)SamsungElectronics, Google, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker unveiled the full lineup of their collaborative “Intelligent Eyewear” products on the 12th (local time) in New York City. SamsungElectronics handled the hardware technology, Google provided Gemini-based AI features, and Gentle Monster and Warby Parker were responsible for product design.

Amid concerns about privacy violations associated with AI glasses, SamsungElectronics and Google have focused their efforts on protecting personal information. The most notable feature is an external LED indicator that signals when the camera is active. When photos or videos are captured with the glasses, the indicator lights up to alert people nearby that recording is in progress. The wearer is also notified of the recording status via an internal indicator and an audible alert.

In particular, if the external indicator light is covered, damaged, or tampered with, built-in sensors detect this and block photo and video capture. The camera function is also deactivated if the indicator light is not functioning properly. This is a technical measure designed to prevent users from covering the indicator light to conceal the fact that they are recording.

The device also features a function that detects whether the glasses are being worn. Users can set the camera to turn off automatically when they remove the glasses, preventing unintended recording.

◇Automatic Blurring of Passersby’s Faces… Restrictions on AI Video Data Storage

SamsungElectronics and Google have also addressed the risk of personal information breaches that may occur while the AI recognizes the surrounding environment. They designed Gemini, embedded in the glasses, to automatically blur the faces of others when recognizing the surroundings. Even if a passerby is captured on screen while the user is asking questions about nearby objects, the system blurs their face before transmitting the image to Gemini.

Google has also placed restrictions on the storage and use of visual data. When translating foreign-language menus or asking questions about nearby objects, the camera footage recognized by Gemini is not saved in the user’s Gemini activity log. It is also not used for training AI models or for personalized advertising.

However, if a user explicitly requests to take a photo or record a video, the resulting content is saved to the gallery. Conversation history with Gemini may also be stored separately, and users can view or delete this history in the settings.

All data stored on the device is encrypted, and encryption is also applied when data is transferred to a smartphone or the cloud. Google also plans to introduce “Private AI Compute” technology in the future to ensure even more secure data processing.

◇From Camera Access Permissions to Capture Restrictions… Dual Protection

Individual apps must obtain the user’s prior consent to access the camera. Users can change or revoke these permissions at any time. The frame also features a physical power switch, allowing users to completely turn off the electronic functions and use the glasses just like a regular pair of glasses.

The microphone is also designed to prioritize recognizing the wearer’s voice over that of people nearby. According to Google, the speakers are engineered to minimize the leakage of call content and other audio to the surrounding area.

In addition to these technical safeguards, Google has established regulations through its service terms. Before using the product, users must agree to the following conditions: not to record without the consent of others, not to record in sensitive locations, and not to cover the external recording indicator light. Violating these conditions is considered a breach of Google’s Terms of Service and may result in restrictions on the product’s usage.

Google Shopping and Google Ads prohibit the promotion of products and services that obscure or disable the recording indicator. Google Play prohibits apps from using the glasses’ camera for social live streaming or real-time facial recognition, or from altering how the recording indicator functions. Use of the product is also restricted to individuals aged 18 and older.

◇Gentle Monster and Warby Parker Designs Combined with Samsung and Google Technology

This product line consists of a total of 30 models, including 16 from Gentle Monster and 14 from Warby Parker. Gentle Monster unveiled a collection of 16 models by combining various colors and lenses based on two standard eyeglass frames and four sunglass frames. The designs reflect the brand’s signature aesthetic elements, ranging from modern square frames to soft curves and voluminous oval designs.

The frames come in a variety of colors centered around black, including gray, pink, dark red, and yellow. Lenses are also available in clear, blue, and brown, allowing customers to choose according to their preferences. Warby Parker is introducing a total of 14 styles by applying the colors Pine, Saddle, and Jet Black to three designs: “Olden,” “Reed,” and “Len.” Customers can choose between regular eyeglasses and sunglasses styles, and the collection supports a wide range of prescription strengths and frame widths.

SamsungElectronics leveraged its mobile hardware technology to integrate key components—including a camera, speakers, and a microphone—into a lightweight frame weighing approximately 41g. The device features a 12-megapixel HDR camera capable of capturing photos and up to 3K video, and is equipped with two open-ear speakers and four microphones. It operates on the first-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 platform.

Through Google Gemini, it supports real-time foreign language translation, turn-by-turn navigation, object recognition, and meeting summaries. Based on Google Translate, it can translate over 70 languages in real time and also offers “Guide Vision,” a voice description feature for the visually impaired and those with low vision. It is compatible with Galaxy devices, select Android smartphones, and iPhones. On a single charge, the battery lasts up to 9 hours, and with the charging case, it can last up to 72 hours.

Intelligent Eyewear will officially launch in South Korea and the United States on the 10th of next month. In South Korea, only Gentle Monster products will be available. Prices for Gentle Monster products in South Korea range from 650,000 to 700,000 won, depending on the model. Korean consumers can try out the products at Gentle Monster stores nationwide, as well as at Samsung Gangnam and the Samsung Store in Hongdae.

Sharam Izadi, Vice President of Android XR at Google, stated, “We will continue to work closely with privacy experts and partners across the ecosystem to continually advance safeguards for everyone, both inside and outside the lenses.”