Galaxy XR: The Future of Wearables Beyond VR Headsets

Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset represents not merely a standalone augmented reality experience, but a vision of a more advanced and lightweight device. As the first headset to utilize Android XR—Google’s foray into extended reality—this technology is revolutionary, particularly when we delve deeper into the concept and future potential of facial computing.

The Galaxy XR boasts a relatively compact and lightweight design; however, its competition remains bulky and cumbersome. Future iterations of the Galaxy XR headset must strive to achieve the same size as a typical pair of glasses while providing a seamless experience akin to that of a regular smartphone. Samsung is well aware of this imperative.

James Choi, the executive VP overseeing Samsung’s XR R&D division, communicated via email with Gizmodo, stating that the entire architecture of the Galaxy XR “establishes a scalable ecosystem where core technologies and immersive AI experiences are integrated across headsets, glasses, and forthcoming formats.” Samsung is actively developing its first pair of smart glasses, which may debut in the upcoming months. Recent rumors hint at the creation of a model featuring some type of screen. The innovations initiated with the Galaxy XR are set to blossom into a new era of wearables.

Launched over six months ago, the Galaxy XR emerges as the most genuine headset among the latest series of productivity-focused XR gadgets. Unfortunately, that statement lacks excitement; it highlights a need for improvement. The current iteration of Samsung’s headset appears unfinished, functioning more as a technological demonstration still in need of refinement. Nonetheless, it provides an early glimpse into a future where XR devices are lightweight yet powerful—ushering in a new ecosystem where gadgets become even more integral to daily life than any smartphone has been.

Exploring the Future of Augmented Reality with Galaxy XR

When you place the Galaxy XR on your head, you peer through a lens that illustrates the potential of technology. It is likely that Samsung did not anticipate this headset achieving widespread success, especially given its $1,800 price tag and its reliance on passive experiences that can already be executed via a smartphone or PC. The limited XR-centric features can feel like temporary novelties. However, beyond the ventures of Apple and Meta in the headset market, Samsung recognizes that the Galaxy XR serves as a playful platform filled with burgeoning technologies and immense potential.

The challenge lies in scaling these innovations to fit into a more compact device. The Galaxy XR was created as a direct response to Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro. Despite being priced at nearly half of Apple’s “spatial computer,” Samsung’s headset still boasts comparable eye and gesture tracking capabilities. It features stunning 4K micro OLED optics and, thankfully, omits the unnecessary “EyeSight” external display that Apple insisted was essential for the Vision Pro.

The design of the Galaxy XR prioritizes comfort, achieving a balance of comfort despite the frame of plastic, glass, and silicon encasing your head. It includes a flexible foam pad that wraps around the back of the head, along with a removable cushion that supports the device on your forehead. The ergonomic design prevents the headset from resting uncomfortably on your nose or cheekbones, enhancing the overall experience.

In contrast to other VR or XR headsets, the Galaxy XR lacks a shield on the bottom to block out external light, allowing for a more breathable design akin to wearing glasses. Nevertheless, you still find yourself balancing 1.2 pounds of weight on your head. Inside, two screens are placed quite close to your eyes, which can lead to eyestrain after slightly more than an hour of use. You may find yourself longing for the clarity of your environment without the distractions of pixelation and distortion from real-time video feeds. A headset is still a headset, even if it is lighter and more comfortable compared to Apple’s design.

Android XR, which is Google’s inaugural operating system designed for AR and MR (mixed reality) devices, offers a less immersive experience on the Galaxy XR compared to similar applications on Apple’s Vision Pro. Samsung highlights unique features available in apps, such as an “Immersive View” mode in Google Maps, allowing you to hover above the Earth and zoom into specific streets. While you can enjoy platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and YouTube through dedicated apps, the experience does not replicate the sensation of watching a film in a genuine theater, especially when you find yourself glancing down at your real-life shoes.

Additionally, Samsung emphasizes the functionality of Google’s “Circle to Search” feature in a VR context. You can annotate objects and scenes in mid-air, and the Gemini AI will provide responses about them. It’s worth noting that sometimes Gemini misidentifies objects, such as mistaking the brand of a large gaming PC on my desk (it was an iBuyPower Trace X desktop). However, it successfully recognizes the general layout of downtown Manhattan, even if it cannot pinpoint the exact street. It’s important to recognize that wearing this headset while navigating a busy area like New York is not advisable unless you want to risk someone rightfully throwing an egg at your $1,800 headset.

How Are Spatial Controls Evolving with Galaxy XR?

The Galaxy XR incorporates two distinct control modes. Users can either utilize hand gestures to point and pinch selections or activate eye tracking similar to that of the Vision Pro. Just like Apple’s headset, the Galaxy XR employs its 13 cameras and sensors to detect pinch gestures, even when your hand is off-screen.

This functionality works seamlessly, just like the Vision Pro, until it doesn’t. The Android XR software is still in its development phase. During my experience with the Galaxy XR, I frequently faced challenges simply selecting the settings menu using eye tracking and pinch gestures. I struggled to align my fingers correctly to drag windows within AR space. When two apps overlapped, I often lost track of my original application until I repositioned my windows.

Clearly, Samsung and Google are in the process of refining user experience, but the level of individual finger tracking does not match the capabilities offered by Meta’s virtual keyboard. “As the user experience and interface continue to improve, there is significant potential to advance towards more detailed finger tracking that adds real value,” remarked Choi.

These minor issues serve as reminders that, compared to using my laptop, the experience within the headset is less straightforward. While the Vision Pro emphasizes immersion, incorporating a shield that blocks the majority of incoming light, the Galaxy XR maintains an open design. This design choice inevitably affects the clarity of the visuals. If your primary goal is to use a headset for streaming 4K movies and shows, the Galaxy XR will not compete favorably against the Vision Pro for daytime viewing.

Although Samsung provided the Galaxy XR unit for testing purposes, it did not include the optional $250 Galaxy XR controllers. At first glance, these VR gamepads closely resemble the Meta Quest 3’s Touch Plus controllers, mirroring the layout of the side and menu buttons.

The selection of native games available for the Android XR platform is limited. The Google Play store features a handful of existing titles like Job Simulator and the virtual board game Demeo. Users are generally encouraged to stream their content as the Android XR platform offers built-in functionality for this. By navigating the Quick Settings menus, you can access a dedicated Game Link app, which requires users to install Steam, SteamVR, and Samsung’s VST Link app on a gaming-capable PC. Once set up, you can immediately access SteamVR, provided you have compatible controllers available.

I will always welcome more opportunities to game. However, Samsung restricts its native PC streaming capabilities to its Galaxy Book laptops, similar to how Vision Pro offers Mac mirroring features. Nonetheless, streaming will always come with limitations. Users can download other Android applications like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming, or explore other PC mirroring solutions such as Virtual Desktop.

However, it is crucial to note that this cannot be solely a gaming device. Choi stated that gaming on the Galaxy XR constitutes “only a small part of a broader experience.” The Meta Quest 3S, with its dedicated virtual storefront, is a more suitable choice for unique gaming experiences. Valve’s upcoming Steam Frame—a VR headset without external cameras for augmented reality content—will likely prove to be superior for gaming.

What are the Challenges of Computing Power in XR Devices?

The Steam Frame is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, an almost three-year-old mobile processor. Valve anticipates that players will manage some 2D content natively (the few games that can support an ARM-based chip or other less-demanding titles through emulation). Ultimately, the company aims for players to stream content from a PC. As the realms of VR, AR, and XR technologies shrink and specialize, they will increasingly depend on external computers to transmit content directly to the displays before your eyes.

The Galaxy XR operates on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, which is sufficiently powerful to handle multiple applications in your visual field concurrently and process data from the 13 cameras and sensors. Given that the primary function within the Galaxy XR is to stream passive content, it is possible that a less powerful, more affordable, and portable device would suffice.

In an exclusive discussion, Ziad Asghar, Qualcomm’s general manager of XR and wearables, informed Gizmodo that the company is preparing to introduce a range of new chipsets tailored to various types of AR devices, both large and small. Google may reveal additional details regarding its upcoming Android XR capabilities at Google I/O 2026.

Asghar is at the forefront of developing the Snapdragon XR platform and the Snapdragon AR chips. The distinction between these chipsets is evident based on the types of devices they power. The Snapdragon XR, featuring 3D reconstruction and 6 degrees of freedom tracking, is designed for high-end, powerful devices like the Galaxy XR. In contrast, the smaller Snapdragon AR platform is intended for smart glasses. Asghar mentioned that the ultimate objective is to merge both platforms, although this is not likely to happen in the near future.

“What people are transitioning to is almost a disaggregated type of [mixed reality] device where a puck-like unit can be affixed to their belt, allowing for a lightweight product that could be optical see-through capable or video see-through capable,” he explained.

The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 is an exceptionally powerful chip that necessitates a substantial external battery pack connected to the headset to supply power. On a full charge, users can expect around two hours of usage with the headset, depending on what applications are being utilized.

Choi indicated that the Galaxy XR is designed to provide a comprehensive suite of potential XR experiences. In contrast, smart glasses are intended to act as companion devices that work in tandem with an AI phone, offering a more portable means of accessing these capabilities while on the move. This vision requires Google and Samsung to create exclusive experiences for both headsets and smart glasses, maintaining a unified foundation.

Nobody desires to stroll around with a battery pack in their pocket and a wire extending from their head. The challenge lies in miniaturizing everything to accommodate smaller form factors, whether that means executing some applications on glasses or a headset while offloading more intensive processes to a pocket-friendly device or even the cloud.

Qualcomm has already discussed the potential for small AI models, often referred to as “small language models,” to operate on devices as compact as smartwatches or other AI-centric wearables like pins/pendants or wireless earbuds. However, the more pressing question remains how we will process demanding content, such as video or intensive applications, on compact smart glasses.

One possibility is a “compute puck.” Meta’s Orion concept AR smart glasses wirelessly connect to a puck-shaped device for processing more graphically intensive applications. Another route involves streaming, which could originate from a dedicated phone, provided it doesn’t deplete your phone’s battery or generate enough heat to damage your pants pocket. Will users genuinely be inclined to carry two devices to achieve a single experience?

Based on what lies ahead, we will find out in the near future.