Samsung is making great progress in the XR market, and recent leaks have provided insight into what Samsung has planned. These leaks, which come from a GeekBench listing, provide key information about Samsung’s next XR headset, indicating that it is preparing for a 2024/25 release. It is expected that the device will have powerful hardware with 16GB of RAM and a 2.36GHz processor, built on an Android 14 framework. These specs indicate that Samsung is aiming for its XR headset to compete in the fast-growing XR industry.
Among the leaked details, one of the most significant is the 6-core Android 14 chipset, which is similar to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. This integration is in line with the rumors of a Samsung-Qualcomm-Google partnership that was hinted at earlier this year. The introduction of the XR2+ Gen 2 platform by Qualcomm at the beginning of 2024 laid the groundwork for Samsung’s XR plans, making the partnership with these tech giants the next logical step.
The XR headset is also expected to be fitted with a microOLED display for the high resolution that is required for an XR experience. Moreover, it is said that the device will be equipped with eight tracking cameras, a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, voice control, eye control, and hand control. These features suggest that Samsung is targeting to produce a next-generation XR device that can rival other premium XR devices in the market.
Samsung’s XR Journey and Market Positioning in 2024
Samsung’s path to creating its XR headset has been a calculated one, as the company has been slowly unveiling more information as it prepares for a possible late 2024 launch. The XR headset was first unveiled at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, where it was launched alongside other tech gadgets like a smart ring and assistive mobility robotics. This suggests that Samsung is not just focusing on a single device but is looking to build a broader ecosystem around its XR platform.
Samsung revealed more details about its XR strategy at the Galaxy Unpacked event held in Paris on July 10, 2024. There were many important statements, such as TM Roh, the President of Samsung’s Mobile Division, and Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President of Platforms and Devices, stating that the XR headset is being worked on intensely. They also stated that the device is expected to be released by the end of 2024, which coincides with the global rollout of Apple’s Vision Pro and possible product launches at Meta Connect 2024.
Samsung’s timing is important because the XR market is getting more saturated. Samsung plans to release its XR headset in late 2024 to tap into the growing market for extended reality as more affordable and accessible XR devices enter the market. The company’s Galaxy ecosystem of smartphones, wearables, and other devices will likely be a major factor in boosting the appeal of its XR headset.
The Broader Implications of Samsung’s XR Development
Samsung’s entry into the XR market is not just about the hardware; it is about the software and services that can complement the XR devices and compete with the likes of Apple and Meta. The XR headset is expected to be at the core of this ecosystem, enabling users to have a consistent experience across different devices and applications. This approach is similar to how Apple has approached the Vision Pro, where the strength of the ecosystem is a key factor in the success of the device.
In addition, the partnership between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm shows that partnerships are crucial in the development of XR technologies. With Qualcomm’s knowledge of XR technology and Google’s software experience, Samsung has the potential to create a product that is both innovative and easy to use.
Some of the speculated features of the XR headset include eye tracking and hand tracking, which are considered to enhance the experience of the users. These features, along with the high-performance hardware, indicate that Samsung’s XR headset could become a new benchmark in the industry, providing a strong contender to existing products.
By the end of 2024, Samsung will be in the spotlight as it plans to release its XR headset. The company’s goal of providing a product that is affordable, accessible, and technologically advanced could be an advantage over other large competitors. For those who are searching for an enhanced but still easy-to-use XR device, Samsung’s future gadget, supported by Google and Qualcomm, might be the perfect one.