On Wednesday, Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy XR, marking a new era of AI-focused extended reality (XR) devices created in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm Technologies.
This headset is the first to utilize the Android XR platform, aimed at seamlessly integrating multimodal AI to provide immersive experiences for leisure, discovery, and professional use.
“With the Galaxy XR, Samsung is launching an innovative ecosystem of mobile devices,” stated Won-Joon Choi, COO of Samsung’s Mobile eXperience Business. “Developed on Android XR, Galaxy XR pushes the limits of mobile AI into a new realm of engaging and practical possibilities, bringing XR from a mere concept into everyday life for both users and the industry.”
The Android XR framework, co-created by Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm, serves as the cornerstone of Samsung’s extended reality strategy, which plans to include future AI-driven eyewear.
“Android XR represents the first Android platform fully crafted for the Gemini era,” expressed Sameer Samat, president of the Android Ecosystem at Google. “Thanks to our collaboration with Samsung, Android XR will open up entirely new avenues for exploration, connection, and creativity, creating a cohesive platform for the next phase of computing.”
Alex Katouzian, group GM of Mobile, Compute, & XR at Qualcomm Technologies, shared, “Galaxy XR manifests our vision for the future, where the integration of AI and XR reshapes personal computing possibilities.”
Integration of Multimodal AI within the Galaxy XR Headset
The Galaxy XR headset incorporates Gemini AI at the system level, allowing for intuitive interaction through voice, vision, and gestures.
This device can analyze its environment with built-in sensors and cameras, enabling real-time conversational responses.
Equipped with the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform and the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, Galaxy XR boasts a battery life of up to 2.5 hours and features ultra-high-resolution 4K Micro-OLED displays.
It includes iris recognition for enhanced security and is fitted with six microphones utilizing beamforming technology, multiple cameras, and advanced sensors for tracking head, hand, and eye movements.
Emphasis on Human-Centric Design and Performance
The headset’s ergonomic design ensures weight is evenly distributed to minimize pressure on the face. Its separate battery unit decreases bulkiness, and a detachable light shield allows for customizable immersion. Weighing 545 grams (without accessories), Galaxy XR also accommodates vision correction with optional optical inserts.
Users can explore captivating experiences through applications like Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Photos, as well as apps tailored specifically for XR. The “Circle to Search” feature permits users to draw a circle in the air to recognize objects or retrieve information.
Additionally, the device facilitates 3D video and image capture, converts 2D content into 3D in real time, and provides gaming support through Gemini for real-time coaching.
The Adobe Project Pulsar application enables users to create cinematic edits featuring depth and 3D layering.
Samsung is also extending XR functionalities into enterprise solutions through collaborations with Samsung Heavy Industries and Qualcomm Technologies.
The Galaxy XR will be utilized for virtual shipbuilding training, enhancing productivity, and boosting safety measures. Developers leveraging Snapdragon Spaces will be able to customize business applications for Android XR.
As part of its comprehensive XR initiative, Samsung is collaborating with Google and eyewear companies like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to design AI-enhanced smart glasses that unify aesthetics and technology.
The Galaxy XR will be available starting October 21 in the US and October 22 in South Korea.