Galaxy XR Released: Next-Gen VR Headset Lets You Work, Play, and Explore

On Friday, Samsung revealed its Galaxy XR which is the newest of its kind and also the first device to run Android XR, the platform aimed at high-end headsets and smart glasses. The operating system merges AI with perception of the environment allowing a very natural user interaction not only with mobile apps but also with games and other immersive environments.

Through Galaxy XR headset the “limitless screen” is created where users can have the experience of apps and media in virtual as well as physical context. The navigation system incorporates voice commands, hand gestures and even eye movements, offering the users the ability to transition between the two modes, i.e. full immersion and real-world interaction, in a very fluid manner.

Since it is Android-based, Galaxy XR is able to access a massive collection of apps available on Google Play including the ones that are in the process of being modified by Google for XR, new ones created especially for Android XR, and millions of other mobile and tablet apps.

Some of the most important features are:

Streaming apps like Crunchyroll, HBO Max, and Peacock.

Google Maps, Google Photos, YouTube, Google TV, Chrome, and Meet – all updated versions.

Microsoft’s MRL and augmented reality games from developers such as Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games.

Adobe, Calm, Fox Sports, MLB, and more providing 50+ new XR experiences.

Android XR uses open standard technology and is compatible with OpenXR, WebXR, and Unity, so developers will be able to add up the ecosystem with cutting-edge content.

Gemini, an AI assistant for XR, is the heart of Galaxy XR experience. With Gemini Live, the user’s surroundings are analyzed and the user is given the assistance of a “friend” who is always there for him/her through plain talk in all the conversations across apps.

Galaxy XR makes it possible to have a private cinema in any place. Users of the headset can enjoy YouTube's virtual reality library that has videos with 180° and 360° of immersive content and also check out the spatial 3D media or watch films through Google TV on a virtual screen that can be resized. The users of Google Photos are allowed to let their 2D pictures and video clips become 3D immersive memories. Gemini is a real-time assistant, for example, asking for stats whilst watching the sports highlights, or answering questions related to the media.

XR-enabled Google Maps of the headset presents stunning 3D representations of the places all over the world. The users are allowed to take a virtual visit to cities like Tokyo, sightseeing in Rome at the Colosseum, or just taking a tour through their old neighborhood. With the Circle to Search, the users are able to move on to the next stage of their search without a break in the experience by having the information linked to either the digital or the real-world objects they interact with.

Galaxy XR allows the user to add more tasks in a larger virtual workspace where everything is neatly arranged. The area around the user can consist of browsers, documents, music, video editors, etc. that are all at the same time active. The world of creativity has become more open for the users because tools like Adobe's Project Pulsar and TopHatch's Concepts are now at the disposal of the users. The users have an option to connect keyboards, mice, or PCs if they want to have a full desktop experience. Gemini can either declutter the workspace or help in brainstorming and creative workflows.

The cost of Galaxy XR is $1,799 or $149/month and it can be bought through Samsung.com or Samsung Experience stores in the USA and Korea. Selected Samsung and Google stores in New York and California have demo sessions for the trial of Galaxy XR.

For the early adopters, Samsung presents the Explorer Pack, which is a limited-time bundle that consists of:

12-month subscriptions for Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, and Google Play Pass. American customers get a trial period of YouTube TV, while users from Korea get TVING Premium.

Sports access through NBA League Pass in the U.S. or Coupang Play Sports Pass in Korea.

The premium XR applications like Status Pro NFL PRO ERA, Project Pulsar, Asteroid, and Calm.