Samsung Galaxy XR Takes Aim at Apple's Vision Pro with Smarter, More Affordable Mixed Reality

Samsung Galaxy XR Hands-on: A Smarter, More Open Take on Apple's Vision Pro for Half the Price Engadget's Sam Rutherford spent hands-on time with Samsung's latest mixed reality headset, the Galaxy XR, which promises to address some of the shortcomings of Apple's Vision Pro. The Galaxy XR is priced at $1,800, roughly half the cost of the Vision Pro, and runs on Google's new Android XR platform. The Galaxy XR boasts a similar design to its competitors, with support for hand and eye tracking features. However, it differs significantly in its use of Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 processor, which provides improved performance and power efficiency. According to Samsung, this partnership has enabled the company to create a more seamless and intuitive user experience. "We're excited to bring our expertise in mobile technology to the mixed reality space," said Dr. Lee, Senior Vice President at Qualcomm. "Our collaboration with Samsung has resulted in a headset that is not only affordable but also offers unparalleled performance." The Android XR platform, developed by Google, combines elements from its mobile counterpart with new features specifically designed for mixed reality applications. This means users can expect a familiar interface and app ecosystem, along with access to a wide range of third-party apps. "The Galaxy XR represents a significant shift in the mixed reality landscape," said Rohan Maheshwari, Principal Analyst at ABI Research. "By leveraging Google's Android platform, Samsung is making it easier for developers to create content for this emerging market." Background and context: Apple's Vision Pro was released earlier this year with much fanfare, but its high price point and limited utility have been met with criticism from both consumers and analysts. The headset's steep cost has raised questions about the viability of mixed reality technology in the mainstream market. The Galaxy XR is Samsung's attempt to address these concerns by offering a more affordable alternative that still delivers on performance and features. With its lower price point and use of Google's Android platform, the Galaxy XR may be poised to capture a larger share of the emerging mixed reality market. Current status and next developments: Engadget's Sam Rutherford spent several hours with the Galaxy XR, testing its capabilities and performance. While initial impressions are positive, it remains to be seen how well the headset will hold up in real-world use cases. Samsung has not yet announced a release date for the Galaxy XR, but industry insiders expect it to hit shelves later this year. As more information becomes available, Engadget will continue to provide updates and analysis on this emerging technology. *Reporting by Engadget.*