Samsung Android XR headset
Samsung
The unveiling of the first Samsung Android XR headset, and the first Android XR headset overall, was showcased in a recent YouTube video.
Renowned YouTuber Marques Brownlee was the first to introduce the headset in a detailed YouTube video. If there is significant new competition for the Meta Quest 3 among mainstream consumers in 2025, this device could be it.
While technical specs are still scarce, Brownlee provided insights into the Samsung VR headset and its features.
Samsung has announced that the headset will be launched this year, but pricing details are still pending.
Samsung XR Vs Quest 3 And Apple Vision Pro
Brownlee noted that the image quality and field of view of the headset are decent but not exceptional. In comparison to the Apple Vision Pro, the image sharpness falls short.
Samsung and Google seem to be targeting a different market segment than the high-end buyers of the Vision Pro. Apple’s struggling headset has faced poor sales, potentially leading to its discontinuation.
Nevertheless, similarities with the Apple Vision Pro were evident in the hands-on demonstration of the Samsung Android XR headset.
Featuring advanced capabilities like auto-adjust inter-pupillary distance settings and eye tracking, the Samsung headset showcases a sleek design.
Android XR features
Brownlee’s demo revealed hands-free and eye-controlled operation of the Samsung headset, equipped with eye-tracking optics and finger-tracking cameras.
The device can run Android apps from Google Play, including spatial versions tailored for Android XR like YouTube and Google Maps.
While the Android XR platform may not offer significant advantages over Meta Quest at this stage, its integration with Google’s Gemini AI system promises unique functionalities like object recognition and intuitive interface navigation.
It remains to be seen if Android XR will persuade manufacturers currently using customized Android versions for their VR headsets, potentially introducing additional software costs to end-users.
If Pico were to adopt Android XR for its upcoming headsets, the associated licensing expenses could impact pricing for consumers.
