Samsung Electronics launched the headset-type extended reality (XR) mobile device ‘Galaxy XR’, co-developed with Google and Qualcomm, on the 22nd. XR encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), representing technology that transcends the real and virtual worlds. As global big tech companies like Meta and Apple engage in fierce competition in this field, Samsung Electronics has positioned the XR headset as a leading device for the ‘post-smartphone era’.

● Control the device with just eyes, hands, and voice

The Galaxy XR was previously known under the codename ‘Project Moohan’. As the Korean word ‘Moohan’ suggests, it symbolizes infinite spaces and possibilities where users can freely navigate between reality and virtual environments.

The Galaxy XR experienced on this day was equipped with cameras that recognize the user's eye movements, surrounding space, and actions. Users can control the device using only their eyes, hands, and voice while wearing the headset. Those with poor eyesight can purchase and use special corrective lenses.

When a reporter wore the Galaxy XR at the ‘Samsung Store Hongdae’ in Mapo-gu, Seoul, and said, “Is there a good Korean restaurant nearby?” a map of the area around Hongdae Entrance Station in Seoul appeared from a bird’s-eye view. Subsequently, Gemini provided a list of restaurants and marked their locations on the map. Selecting one of the recommended restaurants displayed its signature menu and rating at a glance. A realistic ‘street view’ unfolded vividly, as if walking near the restaurant. Turning the head up, down, left, or right revealed the surrounding scenery exactly as it is in reality.

Samsung Electronics explained that the Galaxy XR is optimized for ‘multimodal AI’ that processes all information, including text, images, voice, and video, enabling such applications. Google’s AI model Gemini recognizes what users see and hear together. In the ‘pass-through’ state, where reality is visible beyond the headset, users can instantly search real objects in front of them using ‘circle to search’ that appears on the screen.

The Galaxy XR weighs 545g, lighter than the competing Apple Vision Pro (approximately 800g). It is priced at KRW 2.69 million, positioned between the premium Apple Vision Pro (USD 3,499) and the budget-friendly Meta Quest (USD 499). It can be used for up to 2 hours for general use and up to 2 hours and 30 minutes for video viewing.

● All apps usable with dedicated OS

On this day, Samsung also emphasized the software aspect of the Galaxy XR. The Galaxy XR is the first to feature ‘Android XR’, an operating system (OS) for XR devices developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm. Android XR allows the use of all apps available on the Google Play Store in an XR environment.

This strategy aims to resolve the ‘content shortage’ issue, a limitation of XR devices, as Apple Vision Pro does not support dedicated apps like YouTube. Apps previously used on smartphones can be used on XR devices. The Naver streaming platform ‘Chijijik’ will also release XR-exclusive content.

Samsung plans to develop smart glasses in collaboration with Google in the future. Last month, Meta opened the field by launching the ‘Meta Ray-Ban Display’. Samsung Electronics has partnered with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. Lim Seong-taek, Vice President of Samsung Electronics Korea, stated, “The XR market is expected to double next year compared to this year,” adding, “(The Galaxy XR) holds significant meaning as the starting point for creating an XR ecosystem with leading partners like Google.”

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