Samsung XR could be a Headset like Quest Pro - Report
According to a new report, Samsung's next XR device is more like a Quest Pro than Xiaomi's AR glasses.
Samsung's XR device is expected to be a mixed-reality VR headset like the Meta Quest Pro, according to Galaxy Club. The Samsung-specific news website focuses on Galaxy phones and tablets. The source of information about Samsung's XR device wasn't shared.
The Meta Quest Pro offers a mixed-reality experience by using a color camera to show a view of your surroundings inside the VR headset. This color passthrough is much easier to implement than AR glasses that have transparent displays with high enough intensity to be visible in real-world lighting. The Pico 4 and HTC Vive XR Elite have similar capabilities.
Samsung XR headset launch date
Galaxy Club also suggested that Samsung's XR headset might launch later this year, perhaps alongside the next generation of Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5. Samsung's foldable phones usually arrive in August or September.
That's just six months away, so Samsung must begin production soon if it anticipates its XR headset to be a popular product. Samsung was working with Microsoft on a "metaverse device" last year, but that collaboration ended.
The short timeline for Samsung's XR device to launch in 2023 lends credence to this being a mixed-reality headset, which is less of a technical challenge than AR glasses.
Samsung XR: headset and glasses
Samsung didn't share details of its upcoming XR device at its Unpacked 2023 event. We heard only that it will be developed in partnership with Google and Qualcomm. There were no hints given about the form factor. But we do know that Google is or was working on Project Iris, which is reportedly an XR headset similar to the Quest Pro. So, it wouldn't be a surprise if Samsung's device is similar as well.
AR glasses are on the horizon, but it may take a few more years to be ready for a strong launch. Samsung needs a refined user interface, much better hardware compared to what is currently available, and enough AR apps to justify this new product category. The company has filed for a trademark on the name "Galaxy Glasses", indicating AR glasses are planned in the future.
Currently, AR devices have tradeoffs regarding battery life, weight, and performance. For example, Xiaomi's wireless AR glasses prototype required charging during a 30-minute preview.
It seems Samsung is just as excited about XR as Apple, and both companies seem to be working on headsets for this year, with glasses coming at some point in the future.
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