Samsung to Launch Galaxy Glass Wearable Headset In September

Samsung is set to add to its range of wearable technology products with the launch of a Google Glass-like headset in September - rather unimaginatively called Galaxy Glass.

Samsung was amongst the first major tech companies to enter the wearable market with the launch of the poorly-received and expensive Galaxy Gear smartwatch last year, but that poor reception hasn't put the South Korean giant off the wearables market, with a report today claiming it will launch a smart headset next September.

The report comes from the Korean Times, which quotes sources within Samsung. The sources claim that like the Galaxy Gear, the Glass headset won't be a major revenue earner from the beginning:

"Wearable devices can't generate profits immediately. Steady releases of devices are showing our firm commitment as a leader in new markets," the report says.

Wearables, wearables, wearables

At the CES tech conference in Las Vegas at the beginning of this month, wearable technology was the biggest trend to emerge with numerous companies looking to jump on the bandwagon - including Sony and LG.

When asked why Samsung was looking to get into this market, an official at Samsung told the Korean Times:

"The reason is simple. The market potential for smart glass is huge. It will be used in trucks, cars and has a greater impact on related industries such as glass- and coatings-makers."

Google Glass release

The same report suggests that the consumer version of Google Glass will be available towards the latter half of this year, based on conversations with parts suppliers.

It could therefore go head-to-head with Samsung's Galaxy Glass - though that name could change - which is predicted to launch at the IFA technology conference which takes place in Berlin each September.

The functionality of Galaxy Glass is said to be similar to that of the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, linking to your smartphone rather than working on it own as Google Glass does.

Samsung Electronics is collaborating with Samsung Display, a display-making affiliate, to source displays for the glasses.

"The new smart glass to be introduced by Samsung is a new concept of wearable device that can lead to an exciting culture of communication. The smart glass will present our aim to lead the new market with proven capability. Wearable devices can't generate profits immediately. Steady releases of devices are showing our firm commitment as a leader in new markets," the Samsung official said.