“The future of exploration, entertainment and productivity.” On October 21, Samsung officially launched its first extended reality headset, called Galaxy XR. It is presented as the first in a category of devices that natively integrate AI to allow users to enjoy highly immersive experiences with natural interactions.
Galaxy XR is based on Android XR, a platform developed in partnership with Google and Qualcomm, which puts AI at the center of the experience. Gemini, Google’s chatbot, is directly integrated to make it “a true intelligent partner,” Samsung said in a press release.
Able to understand users’ surroundings, seeing and hearing the same things as them, the headsets will also be able to help them manage tasks using AI. They will be able to interact by voice, sight and gestures with the Galaxy XR, which will be able to respond to them “in a conversational manner”, according to the company.
Immersive experiences powered by AI
Users will also be able to enjoy immersive experiences in Google apps with the headphones, which feature a 4K micro-OLED display. They will be able to travel in Maps with immersive 3D maps while using Gemini as a guide. Also note that all Android apps available on the Play Store should be able to run on the headphones, unless they require a component that is not present on the Galaxy XR. Obviously, they will not offer an immersive experience without their developers reusing their interfaces.
At the request of users, the AI will also be able to start playing videos on YouTube, and provide them with relevant information about this content. And in Google Photos it will be possible to convert 2D images into 3D to transform memories into an immersive experience.
Users will also be able to observe their surroundings through the Galaxy XR with Live View mode and use Google’s Surround to Search feature to get information about what they see.
In addition to the American giant’s applications, users will have the opportunity to use numerous services and games with Samsung headphones, since all those that have been developed on Android are compatible with Galaxy XR. Enough to please many profiles.
According to the company, sports fans will be able to follow several games simultaneously as if they were in the stands. A Netflix version has even been designed specifically for the headphones to provide an immersive feeling similar to that of a private cinema when watching movies or series. For games developed for extended reality, it will be possible to chat with Gemini to get real tips and advice.
A device designed to be used for a long time
The performance and smooth operation of the Galaxy XR will be in charge of the Qualcomm Snapdragon. No less… The Galaxy XR also comes with several sensors and cameras to track head, hand and eye movements. The microphones will filter out external noise and clearly capture the user’s voice.
As for battery life, the South Korean manufacturer promises 2 hours of general use and up to 2.5 hours of video playback. Enough to allow users to enjoy their content for long periods of time, especially since the headphones are designed to offer optimal comfort, according to Samsung. Weighing 545 grams, it is lighter than Apple’s Vision Pro (between 600 and 650 grams). While it is possible to use the device while it is charging, the battery can also be detached to make it even lighter and more convenient.
Galaxy XR is available from Wednesday, October 22, but only in the United States and South Korea for the moment. It can be purchased in one go, at a price of $1,799, or in twelve installments, paying $149 monthly for a year. Samsung’s headphones are, therefore, much more affordable than those from Apple, whose new version (3,699 euros), cheaper than the first (3,999 euros), has also been on sale since Wednesday.
Source: BFM TV
