Samsung Launches Galaxy XR Headset with Google, Qualcomm Collaboration
- tech360.tv
- Oct 23
- 3 min read
Samsung Electronics has launched its Galaxy XR extended reality headset, aiming to compete in the nascent computing-on-your-face market. The device, priced at USD 1,799, integrates artificial intelligence features from Google, positioning it against established players like Apple and Meta.
The Galaxy XR is the first in a series of new devices, operating on the Android XR system and artificial intelligence. This initiative is part of a long-term collaboration with Google, a division of Alphabet, and Qualcomm.
Google’s Vice President of AR/XR, Sharham Izadi, indicated that further devices and form factors are anticipated. Lighter eyeglasses are expected next, with Samsung having partnered with Warby Parker and South Korea’s Gentle Monster luxury eyewear.
The headset, which combines virtual reality and mixed reality capabilities, was first demonstrated last year. It immerses users in videos, games, and pictures, while also enabling interaction with their physical surroundings.
This interaction capability leverages Google’s Gemini service, which analyses what users see and can provide directions or information about real-world objects. This is achieved by looking at and circling objects with fingers.
Executives from Google and Samsung believe extended reality headsets will benefit significantly from Google’s powerful multimodal AI features. These features process information from various data types, including text, photos, and videos, throughout the device.
Anshel Sag, a principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, noted that Google's software potentially adds USD 1,000 in value to the device. Sag stated that Google aims for users to experience the full capabilities of Gemini with this headset.
Customers acquiring the device will receive a bundle of complimentary services. This includes 12 months of access to Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, and other specialised XR content.
Qualcomm is powering the headset with its Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip. Samsung’s mobile division Executive Vice President, Jay Kim, explained the company has researched the extended reality segment for a decade, developing the project codenamed "Moohan," meaning "infinite" in Korean, with Google over four years.
Kim stated that the company chose the current timing for the product launch based on technological evolution and market conditions. A prototype for the AI-enhanced goggles was prepared by the time Apple launched its Vision Pro headset in 2024.
The global Head-Mounted Display market is projected to increase by 2.6% to USD 7.27 billion in the coming year, according to research firm Gartner. Lighter, eyeglass-type AI devices, such as Meta's smartglasses made in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica Ray-Bans, are expected to drive most of this expansion.
Despite an expanding competitive landscape, the global virtual reality market, encompassing mixed reality headsets, has seen three consecutive years of decline. Shipments are anticipated to decrease by 20% in 2025, as per research firm Counterpoint.
Counterpoint Senior Analyst Flora Tang suggested that Samsung’s Project Moohan headset could be a strong contender in the premium VR segment. This is particularly relevant for the enterprise market, given its potentially more competitive price point than Apple’s Vision Pro.
Samsung has previously explored face-mounted computing, including the Gear VR headset in collaboration with Oculus. Meta acquired Oculus in 2014.
Samsung launched its Galaxy XR headset at USD 1,799, featuring Google's AI capabilities and Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip.
The device, running on Android XR, is the first of a new family of products and integrates Google's Gemini service for real-world interaction.
Early buyers receive a bundle of free services, including Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, and other specialised XR content.
Source: REUTERS
