top of page
tech360.tv
Dec 133 min read

Google and Samsung Team Up to Launch Mixed-Reality Headset, Challenging Apple and Meta

Google and Samsung introduce Android XR for mixed-reality devices, challenging Apple and Meta. The collaboration aims to kickstart the slow-growing mixed-reality market. Samsung's Project Moohan headset and Android XR operating system are set to debut next year.


Google and Samsung Team Up to Launch Mixed-Reality Headset, Challenging Apple and Meta
Credit: GOOGLE

The collaboration between the two tech giants introduces a version of Google's Android software for extended reality (XR) and showcases a Samsung-built headset codenamed Project Moohan, derived from the Korean word for "infinite."


The aim of this partnership is to invigorate a market that has been slow to gain momentum. While Apple's Vision Pro headset, priced at US$3,499 and released this year, remains a niche product due to its weight and cost, Meta has seen more success with smart glasses and affordable VR headsets than with high-end mixed-reality devices.


Google's new Android for XR will enable various companies to design their own XR devices, including headsets and lighter glasses, while leveraging the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. This move is reminiscent of Google's success with the original Android version, which powers most major smartphones. Companies like Sony Group Corp., Xreal Inc., and Lynx Mixed Reality have committed to developing devices running the new operating system.


Sameer Samat, a Google executive overseeing the Android ecosystem, expressed confidence in the potential of XR, stating, "The time for XR is now." He highlighted Google's history in this space, referencing the Google Glass, a precursor to current devices that faced challenges a decade ago. Samat emphasised the importance of technological readiness and the belief in the vision of XR's potential.


Mixed-reality devices combine real-world inputs with virtual reality, offering an immersive experience often associated with gaming. Augmented reality involves overlaying data and graphics onto the user's surroundings. Google has been working on Android XR for several years, incorporating AI as a core component of the operating system. Features include using external cameras on glasses to analyse objects and provide assembly instructions, or controlling actions like planning a trip on a headset using Google Maps.


At a developer-focused event in New York, Google and Samsung are showcasing Android XR to potential partners. The first product to hit the market will be Samsung's headset, scheduled for release next year. In contrast to Google's approach, Apple does not plan to offer the Vision Pro's software to external device makers. Meta, on the other hand, is developing a version of its Horizon operating system for third-party headsets and has previewed next-generation AR glasses named Orion.


Sameer Samat, a spokesperson for Google, highlighted the versatility of Android XR in powering a variety of specialised headsets for gaming, video consumption, medical procedures, and even professional cycling. Samat expressed confidence in Android XR's ability to cater to diverse needs within the ecosystem.


The demonstration featured Samsung's latest headset, which shares similarities with the Apple Vision Pro but offers enhanced comfort and functionality. The Samsung device boasts a lightweight design, adjustable head straps, and a larger field of view compared to its counterpart. Users can seamlessly switch between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) modes by tapping the device's side.


One of the key features of the Samsung device is its emphasis on user comfort. Won-Joon Choi, head of research and development at Samsung's mobile division, highlighted the company's focus on distributing weight evenly and ensuring a comfortable fit for extended usage. The device's interchangeable battery pack and ergonomic design aim to enhance the overall user experience.


The Android XR operating system, showcased on the Samsung device, offers a user-friendly interface reminiscent of visionOS. Users can enjoy multitasking with multiple windows, access core Android apps and Google services, and control the device using hand-and-eye gestures. The seamless transition between AR and VR modes provides users with a versatile and immersive experience.


Google's collaboration with Samsung aims to provide a rich library of content for users, leveraging stereoscopic videos from YouTube and offering a software development kit for third-party applications. The companies are committed to making immersive experiences accessible to a wider audience by offering a range of content and applications through the Google Play Store.


While the pricing and release date of the Samsung device remain undisclosed, the companies hinted at a competitive price point to make the technology more accessible to consumers. Powered by Qualcomm Inc.'s XR2 Gen 2 chip, the device promises a cutting-edge mixed-reality experience that surpasses traditional VR headsets.


Google's Project Astra initiative showcased prototypes of Android XR glasses, equipped with AI capabilities and microLED technology for enhanced visuals and power efficiency. These glasses, developed in collaboration with Raxium, offer a glimpse into the future of augmented reality and smart eyewear.

 

  • Google and Samsung introduce Android XR for mixed-reality devices, challenging Apple and Meta.

  • The collaboration aims to kickstart the slow-growing mixed-reality market.

  • Samsung's Project Moohan headset and Android XR operating system are set to debut next year.


As technology advances and has a greater impact on our lives than ever before, being informed is the only way to keep up.  Through our product reviews and news articles, we want to be able to aid our readers in doing so. All of our reviews are carefully written, offer unique insights and critiques, and provide trustworthy recommendations. Our news stories are sourced from trustworthy sources, fact-checked by our team, and presented with the help of AI to make them easier to comprehend for our readers. If you notice any errors in our product reviews or news stories, please email us at editorial@tech360.tv.  Your input will be important in ensuring that our articles are accurate for all of our readers.

bottom of page