Naver Maps to power AI glasses from Google, Samsung and Meta — no smartphone needed

Naver is teaming up with Google, Samsung Electronics and Meta to bring turn-by-turn navigation to AI-powered smart glasses, allowing users to get directions and find nearby places without glancing at a smartphone screen.

Naver announced Monday that it will extend Naver Maps' navigation experience to AI glasses — the first Korean map service to do so — through partnerships with Google, Samsung Electronics and Meta. The feature will launch first on Meta's Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta glasses, with support also planned for the Intelligent Eyewear co-developed by Google and Samsung, which is expected to ship later this year.

According to Naver, users will be able to access Naver Maps entirely through AI glasses, with no smartphone required. The service delivers voice-guided directions to a destination without requiring users to repeatedly check their phone while on the move. It also provides real-time travel information such as the direction of travel and whether stairs or escalators lie ahead.

Naver Maps introduced real-time voice-guided walking navigation — similar to in-car navigation — in June, and the company now plans to extend that capability to AI glasses through its new partnerships with Google, Samsung and Meta. AI glasses navigation will be supported on Android first, with iOS support to follow in stages.

Naver will also introduce a dedicated voice-activation feature tailored to the AI glasses environment. Users will be able to ask questions on the go — such as "What's my estimated arrival time?" or "Find a convenience store nearby" — and receive immediate spoken responses. On Google and Samsung's Intelligent Eyewear, users will also be able to call up Naver Maps and receive navigation through Gemini.

Beyond real-time voice navigation, Naver aims to leverage the local data it has accumulated in Naver Maps to deliver new experiences for users. The company plans to introduce augmented reality-based route guidance for AI glasses equipped with displays, and to let users view information about nearby stores and available place coupons while on the move.

Jeong Gyeong-hwa, the leader overseeing Naver Maps services, said users will be able to stay focused on getting around without constantly checking their phone screens, experiencing navigation and local information naturally. "Naver Maps will grow beyond a lifestyle platform deeply embedded in users' daily lives into a platform that connects the real world and the digital world in a far more vivid way," she said.