A leaked augmented reality glasses promo video from Samsung suggests that the rumored Apple Glasses are not the only next-generation wearables.

Tech leaker WalkingCat posted a legit video of the so-called Samsung AR Glasses and Glasses Lite, showing how the AR glasses can utilize services and features found on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and others

For example.

For example, AR Glasses Lite is shown to function as a floating display for gaming, watching movies, and video calling. The video also shows how the glasses utilize Samsung's DeX interface, which, when connected to an external monitor, provides a Chrome OS-like experience through compatible Samsung phones.

Sunglasses mode, which darkens the display to protect the eyes from bright light, and AR mode, used when piloting drones, also appeared in the video, hinting at the glasses' capabilities. It is also interesting to note that the control method is a paired smartwatch rather than a smartphone or in-line controls.

A second video titled "Next Wearable Computing" introduced AR glasses. [e.g., it could provide an interactive AR workspace and "holocall" video chat functionality.

This all seems like a somewhat sci-fi Star Trek-esque concept, more advanced than what is currently available in AR, but the concept is still intriguing.

While VR headsets are slowly gaining ground for certain applications, especially gaming, AR has yet to gain the same traction. However, if Samsung succeeds in bringing these concepts to fruition, it could spearhead renewed interest in consumer AR and smart glasses.

Given Apple's reputation for taking existing technology and refining it to the point where it becomes the new standard for other technology products to follow, expect Apple's glasses to be a pioneer in AR as well.

Apple definitely hasn't done this for some time. However, the new Mac machines with the Apple M1 chip show that laptop makers no longer need to rely on Intel or AMD chips.

However, the latest release date rumors surrounding Apple Glass suggest that we still have to wait a year or two before it is ready. In other words, there is still room for Samsung to outpace its rivals.

The first generation of Apple Glasses is believed to work through a paired iPhone and provide access to notifications and apps. Apple is also said to be developing a complete VR headset with speakers as a stand-alone product.

If Samsung is indeed making AR Glasses and Glasses Lite, it will be interesting to see if they make an all-in-one AR glasses or a wearable that requires tethering to a smartphone or external hardware. Also, given that these leaked videos are very much concept devices, it is possible that Samsung's smart glasses are just a seed of an idea and nothing more.

So far, we know little about Samsung's AR ambitions; there is a head-mounted display patent from the company in 2019, and even a real pair of glasses during a broader AR demonstration at CES 2020.

But assuming these newly leaked videos are real, it may not be long before the company is ready to unveil its first AR device to the world.