Samsung Galaxy XR Headset Launches at $1,800 to Rival Apple Vision Pro
Samsung is taking a swing in the mixed-reality space by announcing its $1,800 Galaxy XR headset, which is about half the cost of Apple’s Vision Pro. It’s a major foray into the high-end XR headset market. Samsung partnered with Google and Qualcomm to create a premium mixed-reality device.
The Galaxy XR will debut for customers in the U.S. and South Korea, and it will be the combined experience of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) or MR (mixed reality). It intends to attract casual consumers looking for a premium alternative to Apple’s Vision Pro at its price point of $3,500.
Samsung Galaxy XR Headset Features and Design
The Samsung Galaxy XR headset runs on Android XR, Google’s brand-new operating system created exclusively for extended reality applications. The device’s performance capabilities are driven by a Qualcomm chipset. The headset pushed immersive 8k visuals with 3D AR experiences that allow user to navigate the digital world’s things floating right in front of their eyes.
The device includes dual 4K displays, external sensors to pass through the real world, and is lightweight and ergonomic in design. It is 545 grams, lighter than Apple’s Vision Pro, but heavier than the Meta Quest 3. Samsung also placed an adjustable strap for ergonomics and a tethered USB-C brick battery pack, which had a battery life of about 2.5 hours of use.
Immersive Interaction and Smart Controls
The consumer can control the Galaxy XR headset through eye tracking, voice, and hand gesture controls. Samsung added an action button, a touch strip, and a volume rocker for further controls. The headset has a user experience that intuitively combines the physical and digital experience.
Android XR includes YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Meet applications, all of which are optimized in XR. You will also be able to use the built-in Google Gemini AI Assistant here, allowing the user to conduct natural voice commands when in virtual spaces.
Price Advantage/Market Challenges
For $1,800, Samsung’s headset represents a major competitor to the Apple product, which will lead to fierce competition in the mixed-reality space. However, both products, according to experts, are still niche products that are of interest primarily to developers and enthusiasts, not the mass-market consumer.
Samsung is aiming to garner attention by focusing on its lower price and increased ecosystem integration with the help of Google. Yet, some challenges remain. The XR market does not have a “killer app” worthy of that type of investment. Concerns over not having a bulky and heavy headset that isn’t practical to wear for long amounts of time are weighing on the users.
Shift in industry towards Smart glasses
While Samsung and Apple are pursuing a more luxurious XR experience, companies such as Meta are now focusing more on smart glasses and practicality. Meta released the “Ray-Ban Display” glasses with a built-in screen that steps back from Metaverse but offers something closer to practicality within AI wearables.
Reports indicate Samsung is taking a look at the Galaxy XR headset as a starting point for future AI wearables. The company will go deeper into smart glasses, offering AR, AI, and general daily use.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy XR headset is a serious pursuit for Samsung to pursue the extended reality space. Given the price point, new technology, and partnership with Google, Samsung potentially becomes Apple’s most serious competitor as it pertains to XR. But to turn consumers will have to overcome practicality, comfort of use, and engaging content.
Learn more about Android XR from Google’s developer page
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