At the recent Samsung Unpacked event, the company unveiled a range of new products such as the Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and the next-generation Galaxy Z line. However, one highly anticipated product that was missing from the lineup was the Samsung XR headset.
Although the AR/VR headset did not make an official appearance at the event, there were subtle mentions of it throughout the keynote, indicating that the headset is still in development. Rick Osterloh, SVP of Platforms and Devices at Google, took the stage towards the end of the event to highlight Google’s collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm in bringing the headset to life. He mentioned that they are working on next-generation experiences for Galaxy products, including the upcoming XR platform.
Following Osterloh’s statement, TM Roh, president of Samsung’s Mobile Division, confirmed that a new XR platform is set to be released later this year. This aligns with industry analysts’ predictions of a late 2024 launch for the Samsung XR headset. Samsung initially announced its partnership with Qualcomm and Google in February 2023, but details have been scarce since then.
Reports suggest that Samsung is taking its time to ensure that the XR headset can compete with the impressive specifications of the Apple Vision Pro, which was unveiled in June 2023. For instance, Samsung is said to be working on higher-resolution screens to match the 4K displays of the Apple Vision Pro. The company has hinted at an imminent headset announcement, but the actual release date remains uncertain.
While Roh’s statement about the XR platform coming later this year is promising, it’s advisable to approach this news with caution due to previous delays. Samsung fans have been eagerly awaiting the XR headset, and it seems like the wait may soon be over.
As technology continues to advance, the development of AR/VR headsets opens up a world of possibilities for immersive experiences. With Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm working together on the XR platform, we can expect innovative features and cutting-edge technology to be incorporated into the upcoming headset. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the world of virtual reality.
