Samsung's Galaxy XR: A Fresh Take on Mixed Reality Tech

Samsung has entered the mixed reality headset game with the Galaxy XR, a device that aims to outshine Apple's Vision Pro in several ways. The Galaxy XR is priced at $1, 800, which is significantly lower than the Vision Pro's cost. It runs on Google's new Android XR platform, which is designed to be more open and compatible with a wider range of devices and software. The headset features a large visor with 13 exterior sensors for tracking and passthrough vision, as well as built-in speakers with spatial audio. It is also lighter than the Vision Pro, weighing in at 545 grams, and has a more comfortable design with a larger head cushion. The Galaxy XR is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip and features dual micro OLED displays that deliver 4K resolution to each eye at up to 90Hz. The image quality is impressive, and the headset's battery life is around two hours for general use and up to two and a half hours for video playback. The Android XR platform is designed to be user-friendly, with hand gestures and voice commands for navigation. It also supports a wide range of apps, including Google Photos, Google Maps, and YouTube. The Galaxy XR also offers some unique features, such as the ability to convert standard photos into immersive ones and to create personalized avatars for video calls. It can also be used as a traditional VR headset when tethered to a computer. The headset comes with a variety of subscriptions, including Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, and NBA League Pass. While the Galaxy XR is an impressive piece of technology, it remains to be seen whether mixed reality headsets will become mainstream. Smartglasses may be the next big thing in the tech world, but the Galaxy XR is still an exciting showcase of what mixed reality can offer.