Samsung Electronics launched the 'Galaxy XR', an extended reality (XR) mobile device in the form of a headset, jointly developed with Google and Qualcomm, on the 22nd. XR encompasses the concepts of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), representing technology that traverses the real and virtual worlds. Amid intense competition in this field from global big tech companies like Meta and Apple, Samsung Electronics has positioned the XR headset as the device to lead the 'world beyond smartphones'.

● Device Control with Eyes, Hands, and Voice Only

The Galaxy XR was previously known under the codename 'Project Moohan'. As the Korean word 'Moohan' means 'infinite', it symbolizes the limitless space and possibilities where users can freely immerse themselves between reality and the virtual world.

The Galaxy XR experienced on this day was equipped with cameras that recognize the user's eye movements, surrounding space, and actions. The device can be controlled with just the eyes, hands, and voice while wearing the headset.

When a reporter tried 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 near Hongdae Entrance Station in Seoul appeared from a bird's-eye view. Gemini then provided a list of restaurants and marked their locations on the map. Upon selecting one of the recommended restaurants, the main menu and star rating of the restaurant were displayed at a glance. A realistic 'street view' unfolded vividly, as if walking near the restaurant. Turning the head up, down, left, or right showed the scenery around the restaurant just like in reality.

Samsung Electronics explained that the Galaxy XR is optimized for 'multimodal AI', which processes all information such as text, images, voice, and video, enabling such applications. Google's AI model Gemini recognizes what the user sees and hears together. In the 'pass-through' state, where reality is visible beyond the headset, the 'circle to search' feature allows immediate search of physical objects in front of the user.

The Galaxy XR weighs 545g, lighter than the competing Apple Vision Pro (approximately 800g). The retail price is KRW 2.69 million, positioned between the premium Apple Vision Pro (USD 3,499) and the budget-focused 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 emphasized the software aspect of the Galaxy XR. The Galaxy XR is equipped with 'Android XR', a dedicated operating system (OS) for XR devices developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, for the first time. Android XR allows the use of all apps available on the Google Play Store in the XR environment.

The strategy is to address the 'content shortage' issue, which has been a limitation of XR devices, as the Apple Vision Pro does not support dedicated apps like YouTube. Apps previously used on smartphones can also be used on XR devices. XR-exclusive content will be released on Naver's streaming platform 'Chijijik'.

Samsung plans to diversify form factors (the shape of mobile devices) starting with the Galaxy XR, including next-generation smart glasses. Smart glasses will also be developed in collaboration with Google. Last month, Meta launched the 'Meta Ray-Ban Display', smart glasses equipped with a display and AI, marking the beginning of this trend. Samsung Electronics plans to produce products that combine style and practicality in partnership 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 is significant as the starting point for creating an XR ecosystem with leading partners in the industry, such as Google."

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