Galaxy XR hands-on: This isn't the real product

The Samsung Galaxy XR headset, a collaboration between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm, offers a VR gaming and entertainment experience with deep Google Gemini AI integration and Android XR, but is seen as a stepping stone to future smart glasses.

• Galaxy XR is a VR headset with Android XR and deep Google Gemini AI integration, enabling intuitive hand and voice controls.

• It offers extensive gaming and immersive media, competitively priced at $1,799, undercutting the Apple Vision Pro.

• Samsung and Google position Galaxy XR as a stepping stone towards future Android XR-powered smart glasses, seen as the real revolution.

The Galaxy XR is a new VR headset resulting from a partnership among Samsung (hardware), Google (software), and Qualcomm (silicon), designed for extensive entertainment and augmented reality experiences. Its core differentiators are the Android XR operating system and profound integration of Google's Gemini AI, allowing for intuitive hand and voice controls without traditional controllers. While competitively priced against the Apple Vision Pro, Samsung and Google view it as an early iteration paving the way for advanced Android XR smart glasses.

Galaxy XR Overview

• 00:00:26 The Galaxy XR headset, previously Project Muham, is a relatively simple device featuring a headset worn on the face and a separate battery pack. It prioritizes comfort with light blockers for immersion and is the product of an unprecedented collaboration: Samsung handled hardware, Google developed the software (Android XR), and Qualcomm provided the silicon, all working together for optimal performance.

Features and Ecosystem

• 00:01:08 At its core, the Galaxy XR is a VR headset with broad entertainment options, supporting games from Google Play, Steam (PC VR and 2D), and new titles designed specifically for the product. It offers versatile controller support, including dedicated Galaxy XR controllers (sold separately), third-party VR controllers, and standard Bluetooth gaming controllers. Beyond gaming, it provides immersive video content from platforms like YouTube and Netflix, with future capabilities to convert 2D videos and offer interactive movies, as well as immersive sports content.

Android XR and Gemini AI

• 00:02:47 The Galaxy XR differentiates itself with its Android XR operating system, which is Android-based and functions similarly to mobile OS, coming preloaded with Google apps like Maps and YouTube. Interaction relies on advanced hand and eye tracking, allowing users to manipulate virtual elements through pinches and gestures, without needing physical controllers. Deep integration with Google Gemini AI is a key feature; users can trigger Gemini by holding a button to ask questions about viewed objects, get game tips, or organize virtual windows, all through natural conversational commands.

Market Positioning and Future Vision

• 00:08:35 Priced at $1,799, the Galaxy XR significantly undercuts the Apple Vision Pro while offering robust controller support and deep AI integration that the Vision Pro lacks. Despite competitive pricing and initial freebies, Samsung and Google acknowledge the Galaxy XR as merely a 'beginning,' with the ultimate goal being smart glasses powered by Android XR. These future glasses, hinted at through partnerships with eyewear companies, are envisioned as the true revolution, bringing pervasive augmented reality and AI assistance into daily life, unlike the current headset's primarily in-home use.