Samsung is gearing up to introduce its extended reality (XR) headset, with availability for developers speculated in October 2024 and a public release set for 2025. This move positions Samsung to compete with Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest in the XR space.
At the recent Galaxy Unpacked event, TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, hinted at the arrival of the XR platform later this year. According to a report from Business Insider, the XR headset, being developed in collaboration with Google, may feature Android XR firmware currently in internal development. Although initially expected to launch sooner, the device’s release has been delayed to Q1 2025, possibly in March.
Codenamed “Moohan,” the early version of the XR headset is expected to be made available to developers by October 2024. The development has encountered several delays as Samsung refines the technology involved.
XR encompasses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). While Samsung previously ventured into VR with its Gear VR, this marks its first foray into a comprehensive XR headset. The device is rumored to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen2+ processor designed for AR and MR experiences, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI).
Samsung’s XR headset is poised to challenge existing mixed reality devices from Apple and Meta. Reports from November 2023 suggested that Samsung aimed to initially sell 30,000 units of the XR headset. The headset is anticipated to feature OLEDoS (OLED on Silicon) displays, developed by Samsung Display, the company’s display manufacturing division.
