Samsung has reaffirmed its commitment to launching an XR (eXtended Reality) device in 2025. This follows earlier projections of a 2024 release, with the company now focusing on enhancing product connectivity, including the upcoming XR device, as per its Q3 2024 earnings report.
Samsung's TM Roh shares XR plans at the 2023 Galaxy Unpacked event.Samsung’s XR ambitions date back to 2023, marked by a collaboration with Qualcomm and Google on a mixed-reality product capable of AR, VR, and XR functionalities. This partnership likely sees Samsung leading design and user experience, Qualcomm providing the chipset (potentially the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, released in January 2024), and Google contributing the software. The companies reiterated their launch plans during the Galaxy Unpacked event in July.
A Glimpse into the Future of XR
The scarcity of feature details surrounding Samsung’s XR device has fueled speculation. However, a recent update to the Google Play Store, adding support for XR headset app installations, coincided with Samsung’s Q3 2024 guidance. Given the absence of other known Android XR projects, this strongly suggests Google is preparing for the Samsung collaboration.
The Sony XR headset.The 2025 timeline for Samsung’s XR project aligns with previous reports, with some suggesting a potential consumer launch as early as March 2025. The device is positioned as a competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro, released in February 2024 at a price of $3,500. Rumors indicate the Android-based XR headset could be priced between $1,000 and $1,500.
The Expanding XR Landscape
Samsung and Apple are not alone in the XR race. Sony has been showcasing its upcoming XR headset, while Meta, having recently launched the Quest 3S, is partnering with companies like Lenovo and Asus for future headsets within its Horizon OS ecosystem.
Conclusion: Anticipating the Arrival of Samsung’s XR Offering
Samsung’s confirmed 2025 launch window for its XR headset signals the company’s commitment to entering the burgeoning XR market. The collaboration with Qualcomm and Google, coupled with recent developments like Google Play Store updates, points towards a significant entry in the XR landscape. While specific details remain scarce, the anticipated pricing and potential competition with Apple’s Vision Pro make Samsung’s XR offering one to watch.
