Samsung has officially unveiled a new extended reality (XR) headset called Galaxy XR. Previously codenamed Project Moohan, the new product is considered by many as Samsung’s response to the Apple Vision Pro.
The introduction of Galaxy XR also marked the arrival of a new AI-native device category, due to the headset’s deep integration with Google Gemini. Based on the official demo and marketing videos that we have seen so far, it appears that invoking Gemini via voice command has been touted as one of the primary ways to interact with Galaxy XR, which runs on the Android XR operating system.
To navigate within the headset’s user interface and interact with its apps, the Galaxy XR rely on hand gestures although you can opt for the physical Galaxy XR Controllers which are available separately for USD250 (~RM1,057). One of the best examples of this is the headset’s version of the Circle To Search feature, which is something that you may have experienced before on some Android smartphones, including the Galaxy S series.
Through this feature, one can just point their view at an object – both virtual and real-world items are supported, and then draw a circle via hand gesture to begin searching for information.
Being an XR headset, it is just natural that Samsung promises immersive interaction and viewing experience with the new Galaxy XR. Here are some of the apps that were highlighted through official demos and marketing videos:
- Google Maps: explore the world in 3D through the Immersive View option
- Google Photos: easily convert existing 2D photos and videos into 3D
- YouTube: view 180° and 360° VR content as well as spatial 3D content
- Adobe Project Pulsar: create 3D text, assets, and spatial effects for social videos
- Netflix for XR: easily adjust the viewing size just by grabbing and dragging the corner of the screen
Not to forget, users can also take advantage of the massive viewing space for productivity purposes by linking the Galaxy XR headset with a Windows 11-based Galaxy Book.
Samsung Galaxy XR pricing, quick specs
Price-wise, the Galaxy XR can be obtained for USD1,799.99 (~RM7,613). While the price tag may seem quite hefty, it is much lower than Apple Vision Pro, which starts at USD3,499 (~RM14,796).
In terms of hardware, the Galaxy XR is running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor alongside 16GB of RAM and built-in 256GB storage. It also features a pair of Micro-OLED displays with 3,552 x 3,840 resolution, a refresh rate of up to 90Hz, as well as 109° horizontal and 100° vertical field of view.
The headset has also been fitted with a 6.5MP f/2.0 18mm camera that supports 3D photo and video capture, but that’s not the only camera on the device, though. The Galaxy XR actually has 2 high-resolution pass-through cameras, 6 world-facing tracking cameras, and 4 eye-tracking cameras.
Not enough with that, there are also 5 Inertial Measurement Unit sensors and 6 microphone arrays, as well as 1 depth and 1 flicker sensors on the headset. Samsung has also fitted a pair of 2-way speakers on the Galaxy XR to deliver an immersive spatial audio experience.
Powered by a dedicated external battery pack, the Galaxy XR can last up to 2 hours for general usage, although the headset can last slightly longer at up to 2.5 hours if you’re using it just for video playback. Don’t worry, you can wear the headset while charging its battery at the same time.
Galaxy XR goes official: Samsung’s response to Apple Vision Pro, priced at USD1.8k
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