The Galaxy XR is Samsung’s—and the world’s—first Android XR device, marking a significant step forward in extended reality technology. Building on this momentum, Samsung has plans to launch more Android XR devices in the future, including smart glasses.
### Galaxy Ring: A New Way to Control Android XR Devices
To fully leverage its extensive ecosystem of products, Samsung appears to be developing the Galaxy Ring as a controller for its Android XR lineup. While exploring the APK file of Samsung’s Galaxy Ring Manager app, Android Authority uncovered a notable string of code: “ring gesture for glasses.” This suggests that users might soon be able to control Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses using the Galaxy Ring.
Since Samsung has confirmed that its smart glasses will run on Android XR, it’s likely the ring gestures will work not only with the smart glasses but also with the Galaxy XR headset.
### How the Galaxy Ring Enhances User Interaction
Unlike the Galaxy XR headset—which is equipped with multiple cameras capable of tracking hand movements—Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses won’t include hand-tracking cameras. This presents a potential challenge in intuitive device control that the Galaxy Ring could help solve.
For example, users might be able to use a double-pinch gesture on the Galaxy Ring to select UI elements or confirm actions, providing a more natural and convenient alternative to constantly using the glasses’ touchpad. This gesture-based interaction could streamline everyday use and enhance overall usability.
Additionally, the Galaxy Ring could improve UI navigation when paired with the Galaxy XR headset by increasing gesture accuracy or introducing new gesture options. Such integration would make interacting with XR content smoother and more efficient.
### Expanding the Galaxy Ring’s Functionality
Currently, the Galaxy Ring can be used to silence alarms or capture images on Galaxy smartphones. Samsung could extend these functionalities to the Galaxy XR headset and upcoming Galaxy Glasses, enabling similar quick actions across devices.
Samsung has already secured a patent describing the use of a Galaxy Ring to control various devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, highlighting the company’s vision for a unified, wearable control interface.
### Looking Ahead: Samsung’s Smart Glasses Roadmap
Samsung is collaborating with well-known eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to bring fashionable smart glasses to market next year. According to reports, the company’s first-generation smart glasses, launching in 2026, will not feature an AR display. However, the second-generation glasses, expected in 2027, will include an AR display, marking a major advancement in smart eyewear technology.
As Samsung continues to innovate within the Android XR ecosystem, the integration of the Galaxy Ring promises to deliver a more intuitive, seamless way to interact with its next-generation XR devices. Stay tuned for more updates as these exciting products approach launch.
https://www.sammobile.com/news/galaxy-ring-assist-controling-galaxy-xr-glasses/
