It took Samsung and Google more than a year to come up with an answer to Apple’s Vision Pro XR headset, but the end result is here. Meet the Samsung Galaxy XR headset – the world’s first Android-powered mixed reality headset that deeply integrates Google’s Gemini AI. Known as the Project Moohan for all these months, the Galaxy XR wants to utilise mixed reality to make everyday life a lot easier.
Before we head into the features and other crucial aspects of the Galaxy XR headset, here’s how much Samsung is asking for it and where it is available. Unlike the US-only Vision Pro, the Galaxy XR is selling in the US and South Korea, although Samsung is yet to comment on the availability in other markets.
Then there’s the price – at $1,799, the Galaxy XR is far more accessible than the $3,499 Apple Vision Pro. A relatively lower price should encourage more people to try out Mixed Reality.
What does the Samsung Galaxy XR offer?
Like the Vision Pro, the Galaxy XR is a headset. However, the standout feature of the Galaxy XR is the seamless integration of Google’s Gemini AI, which is baked into the operating system and uses the headset’s cameras to see the user’s surroundings, enabling contextual assistance.
For example, a user can ask Gemini questions about a real-world object or virtually tour a landmark and instantly receive information based on what they are looking at.
Running on Google’s new Android XR platform, the headset offers an ‘infinite screen’, where users can scatter apps around their physical space. This allows for complex, customisable multi-window setups for tasks like arranging Chrome tabs, Google Meet windows, or Spotify.
The device also features compatibility with standard Android apps and reimagined versions of core Google services like Maps, Photos, and YouTube.
Galaxy XR design, specs, and more
To enhance comfort during usage, Samsung has separated the battery pack from the headset, keeping the head-worn unit at a manageable 545 grams. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor and features high-resolution 4K Micro-OLED displays. Samsung says that users can expect approximately 2.5 hours of video watching before needing a recharge.
But it doesn’t stop for both brands as far as AR is concerned. Samsung and Google are already collaborating on a new line of AI-powered smart glasses with eyewear brands ‘Warby Parker’ and ‘Gentle Monster’. This split-market strategy, targeting both fashion-forward (Gentle Monster) and mainstream (Warby Parker) consumers, suggests a broader plan to make augmented reality technology even more acceptable.
These smart glasses are expected to launch without a confirmed price or date but are rumoured to be in the more affordable $800 range, mirroring Meta’s strategy with Ray-Ban.
