Samsung Electronics launched its first extended reality (XR) headset, the Galaxy XR, codenamed Project Moohan, at a virtual Galaxy Event in Seoul, positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the growing XR market. Priced at $1,800 in the U.S.—approximately KRW 2.5 million—the headset undercuts Apple’s Vision Pro by $1,700 while offering advanced features for immersive entertainment and productivity.
Available immediately in the U.S. and from October 23 in South Korea, the device integrates Google’s Android XR platform and includes a $100 credit and 12 months of Google AI Pro and YouTube Premium for early adopters. Developed with Google and Qualcomm, the Galaxy XR aims to blend premium hardware with accessible software, targeting both consumers and enterprises.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, the Galaxy XR delivers 4.3K resolution at 90 frames per second per eye via dual 1.3-inch 4K micro-OLED displays from Sony, boasting a 4,023 pixels-per-inch density for crisp visuals that surpass competitors. It features hand, eye, and voice tracking for intuitive navigation, complemented by two 6DoF controllers for gaming and creative applications.
Running One UI XR over Android XR, it supports apps like Netflix and Google Maps, with Google’s Gemini AI enabling contextual tasks through onboard cameras. The external battery pack ensures a lightweight design, offering about two hours of intensive use, aligning with industry standards. This marks Samsung’s return to XR since its Gear VR discontinuation in 2020, now leveraging an open ecosystem to drive app development.
The Galaxy XR’s design prioritises comfort with an ergonomic headband and external battery, addressing weight distribution issues common in premium headsets. Its passthrough cameras enable seamless transitions between virtual and real-world environments, ideal for augmented reality (AR) tasks like virtual workspaces or AR-enhanced training. Initial production is set at 100,000 units, with Samsung eyeing scalability based on demand. The headset’s compatibility with Galaxy smartphones enhances content sharing, while its open Android platform contrasts with Meta’s budget-focused Quest series, positioning it closer to Apple’s premium offering but with broader app access.
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The launch signals a pivotal moment for XR, as Samsung challenges Meta and Apple in a market projected to reach $100 billion by 2030. Analysts see the $1,800 price as a strategic move to capture enterprise users, from virtual collaboration to medical simulations, while consumers benefit from immersive media and gaming. Privacy concerns around AI-driven tracking persist, but Samsung pledges robust data protections. With developer kits rolling out soon, the Galaxy XR could spark a content boom, redefining how users interact with digital and physical worlds in an increasingly connected era.
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