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Samsung Unveils Galaxy XR Headset to Challenge Apple’s Vision Pro With Help From Google and Qualcomm

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Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) has officially entered the extended reality (XR) arena with the launch of its Galaxy XR headset, developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, as it seeks to rival Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest devices.

Priced at $1,799, roughly half the cost of Apple’s headset, the Galaxy XR marks Samsung’s most ambitious push into next-generation computing. It runs on the Android XR operating system and features Google’s Gemini AI, which allows users to interact with real-world environments by identifying and analyzing objects in view.

The Galaxy XR combines virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) capabilities, letting users watch YouTube videos, play games, or explore 3D environments while maintaining awareness of their surroundings. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip powers the headset, ensuring high performance for immersive AI-driven experiences.

Executives from Samsung and Google said the device, developed under the codename “Moohan” (meaning infinite in Korean), has been in the works for nearly a decade. “We believe now is the right moment to bring this to market,” said Jay Kim, executive vice president of Samsung’s mobile division.

Google’s AI integration is central to the headset’s appeal. Gemini can understand what users see and provide information, directions, or contextual responses in real time. “Google entering the fray again changes the dynamic,” said Anshel Sag, an analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, noting that the software adds an estimated $1,000 in value to the device.

Buyers this year will receive 12 months of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, and exclusive XR content. Samsung is also working with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to develop lighter, glasses-style models in future releases.

The launch comes as the head-mounted display market remains challenging. Research firm Gartner expects the global sector to grow modestly to $7.27 billion next year, while shipments of mixed reality devices are projected to fall 20% in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research.

Still, analysts say Samsung’s lower price and powerful partnerships position it as a credible challenger. “With a more competitive price point than Apple’s Vision Pro, Samsung’s Project Moohan headset could become a strong contender in the premium XR market,” said Flora Tang, senior analyst at Counterpoint.

Google I/O 2025 Kicks Off Today: Here’s How to Tune In to the Keynote Live Stream

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Google I/O 2025 is just hours away, and excitement is building as the tech giant prepares to unveil a range of new software features and innovations. The event promises to spotlight the next wave of developments across Google’s ecosystem, including updates to Android 16 and Wear OS 6. Recent teasers suggest a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), indicating that AI-powered enhancements will play a central role in the announcements at this year’s annual developer conference. Additionally, Google is expected to reveal more about Android XR, its upcoming operating system designed specifically for extended reality (XR) devices, signaling a push into the immersive technology space.

The event’s schedule includes a highly anticipated keynote address by Google CEO Sundar Pichai, set to take place at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (10:30 p.m. IST) at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. This opening keynote will lay out Google’s vision and showcase the most important new features and products. For developers and tech enthusiasts who want to dive deeper, a more technical developer keynote will follow later, starting at 2 a.m. IST, providing detailed insights into Google’s software and platform updates.

Throughout the first day of Google I/O 2025, attendees and viewers can look forward to sessions focused on AI, Android, web technologies, and cloud computing. These sessions will begin streaming live at 3 a.m. Pacific Time (4 a.m. IST), offering a comprehensive look at the tools and innovations that Google plans to make available to developers and users alike. If you miss any of the live sessions, recorded replays will be available for viewing afterward, ensuring that no important announcements or technical details are missed.

For those eager to watch the event live, Google I/O 2025 will be streamed through the official Google for Developers YouTube channel. This means you can easily tune in using a web browser or the YouTube app on any mobile device. The event’s accessibility makes it easy for a global audience to follow along with the announcements and explore the future direction of Google’s software and services. Additionally, day two of the conference on May 21 will continue with more in-depth sessions, streamed live and available for replay, allowing developers and fans to keep pace with all the latest updates.

Google Unveils Bold AI Upgrades, Premium Plans, and Smart Glasses at I/O 2024

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At its annual Google I/O conference in Mountain View, California, Alphabet unveiled sweeping updates to its artificial intelligence strategy, including new AI tools, a $249.99/month Ultra subscription plan, and a renewed push into smart glasses.

The announcements come amid intensifying competition from rivals like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta, and signal Google’s intent to maintain dominance in search, while rapidly expanding AI services for both consumers and professionals.

AI Mode in Google Search

Google introduced “AI Mode” for U.S. users, transforming traditional search by replacing web links with AI-generated responses for complex queries. Rolled out as an experiment in March, it is now available more widely and aims to deliver deeper, contextual answers.

Gemini App and AI Agents

CEO Sundar Pichai announced that the Gemini AI assistant has reached 400 million monthly active users. The company showcased Gemini’s ability to:

  • Perform real-world tasks like adding events to calendars via smartphone camera scans,

  • Fetch email info and contextual data in conversation,

  • Act as a “universal AI agent” requiring minimal prompting.

AI Ultra Plan – $249.99/Month

Google launched its AI Ultra Plan, targeting power users with:

  • Early access to experimental tools like:

    • Project Mariner – browser automation via keystrokes/mouse clicks,

    • Deep Think – enhanced reasoning with the top-tier Gemini model,

  • 30 TB of cloud storage,

  • An ad-free YouTube subscription.

This premium plan rivals OpenAI’s and Anthropic’s ~$200/month enterprise offerings, and reflects the escalating costs of AI development. It joins Google’s growing portfolio of subscription services, which now count 150 million+ paid users.

Return to Smart Glasses & XR Headset

Google returned to the smart glasses race with new frames running Android XR, demonstrated with live real-time language translation and context-aware Gemini responses during a walk around the I/O venue.

In addition, the company announced:

  • A new XR headset co-developed with Samsung, launching later in 2024,

  • Partnerships with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to build stylish smart glasses with AI integration.

Search Pressure & Market Outlook

Despite these advances, Alphabet is under pressure. It lost $150 billion in market value earlier this month after testimony revealed that AI had reduced searches in Apple’s Safari browser — a key source of Google’s traffic.

Analysts now warn that Google’s search market share could drop from 90% to under 50% in the next five years due to consumer shifts toward AI chatbots over traditional search.

However, Google sees opportunity in this transition. Executive Robby Stein suggested that more complex AI interactions could lead to new forms of targeted advertising, Google’s main revenue source.

New AI Model – Veo 3

Google also introduced Veo 3, a powerful AI model capable of generating high-quality video and audio, allowing creators to produce realistic, cinematic content through natural prompts.

Investment in AI

Alphabet is going all-in: it’s forecasting $75 billion in capital expenditures for 2025, up from $52.5 billion in 2024, with AI development as the central focus.