Hours in the past, the upcoming Samsung XR (blended actuality) headset had the most complete divulge to date, courtesy of Google. The tech big confirmed off the Android XR expertise, which is able to energy the {hardware}, and revealed a teaser render of the Samsung XR system, codenamed Venture Moohan.

All of it seems to be very promising and, in some methods, higher than most individuals anticipated. Extra importantly, the Samsung XR headset, powered by Google and Qualcomm, has an actual preventing likelihood in opposition to the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional.

One of many few folks within the trade who’ve had early entry to the Samsung XR headset and the Android XR platform is Mark Gurman (@markgurman) of Bloomberg. In an X publish earlier right this moment, Mark wrote:

• “Arms-on with Samsung and Google’s first mixed-reality headset and Android XR. I’m impressed. This headset reveals the Imaginative and prescient Professional {hardware} must evolve – quick.”

The XR headset is developed by Samsung and Qualcomm on the {hardware} facet and Google on the software program facet. It has been within the works for at the least two years. The trio first revealed their plans for a brand new XR expertise throughout Galaxy Unpacked 2023 practically two years in the past.

So far as the software program expertise goes, Android XR appears to borrow a number of concepts from Apple’s visionOS. Mark Gurman adopted up with one other publish on X, saying:

• “Android XR labored effectively in my checks on the Samsung headset, however the interface is basically an Android-ified model of visionOS. […] Can even run cellphone/pill apps from Google Play.”

One last item for Samsung XR to beat Apple

Except for a stable marriage between superbly crafted {hardware} and dependable XR software program, Samsung and Google may maintain one ultimate piece of the puzzle that would give Apple and the Imaginative and prescient Professional a run for his or her cash.

Pricing particulars for the next-gen Samsung XR headset are unknown, however Samsung and Google appear to be placing a number of thought and energy into discovering the candy spot.

Pricing has all the time been a excessive barrier to entry within the VR and XR fields, and in keeping with Mark Gurman, Samsung is “Absolutely conscious” of this reality. The excessive value is without doubt one of the explanation why we’ve not but skilled a growth on this rising market. For reference, Apple’s Imaginative and prescient Professional has a beginning value of $3,499.

• Nevertheless, Samsung confirmed it’s doing “A variety of analysis on what value level clients will really feel snug paying.”

The corporate is probably going making an attempt to undercut Apple, and that would very effectively be the ultimate piece of the puzzle which will give Samsung and Google a win over the Cupertino big within the rising XR market.

Samsung is anticipated to launch the XR headset subsequent 12 months. We’d see extra of it at CES 2025 subsequent month.