Samsung Electronics unveiled its long-awaited Galaxy XR headset on Tuesday, partnering with Google and Qualcomm to take on Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest in the fast-evolving world of AI-powered extended reality.
The headset, priced at $1,799, merges virtual and mixed reality features using the Android XR platform. It incorporates Google’s Gemini AI, which can recognize and interpret objects in real time, offering users information and directions through natural gestures.
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, the Galaxy XR promises high-speed processing for immersive tasks like watching videos, gaming, and browsing 3D environments. It’s the first major device to result from Samsung’s 10-year XR research effort, codenamed “Moohan.”
At launch, customers will receive a free one-year bundle of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, and Google Play Pass. Samsung also announced upcoming collaborations with eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to design lighter, AR-compatible smart glasses.
Executives from Samsung and Google said the headset’s success will depend on bringing artificial intelligence into everyday computing. “The future of computing is multimodal,” said Google’s VP of AR/XR Sharham Izadi, referring to Gemini’s ability to process text, visuals, and voice simultaneously.
Despite excitement around XR, the global market remains small. Gartner estimates the head-mounted display segment will reach $7.27 billion in 2026, with Counterpoint Research warning of a 20% shipment decline next year.
Even so, analysts say Samsung’s aggressive pricing and AI integration could reshape the competitive landscape. “Samsung’s Project Moohan could redefine the premium VR segment, especially for enterprise users,” said Flora Tang of Counterpoint.
