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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.

Apple Halts Vision Pro Overhaul to Focus on AI-Powered Smart Glasses

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Apple has paused development of its next-generation Vision Pro headset to redirect resources toward the creation of artificial intelligence-powered smart glasses, according to a report by Bloomberg News citing people familiar with the matter.

The company had been working on a cheaper and lighter version of its $3,499 Vision Pro — code-named N100 — with a tentative release window in 2027. However, Apple reportedly told employees last week that development teams will now shift their focus to an AI glasses project, accelerating its timeline to compete directly with Meta Platforms’ smart eyewear.

The decision reflects Apple’s changing strategy in the face of slowing Vision Pro sales. The mixed-reality headset, launched in February 2024, received strong initial attention but quickly lost momentum amid limited mainstream content and competition from more affordable alternatives like Meta’s Quest series.

TWO NEW GLASSES MODELS IN DEVELOPMENT

Apple is said to be working on two distinct smart glasses models:

  • N50, the first version, will connect to an iPhone and will not include a display. Apple aims to unveil this model as early as next year, with a public release planned for 2027.

  • A second, more advanced model — equipped with a built-in display — is now being fast-tracked for release around 2028, according to Bloomberg’s sources.

The advanced model is seen as Apple’s answer to Meta’s Ray-Ban Display glasses, which CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased in September along with a new Oakley-branded “Vanguard” model designed for athletes.

Apple’s upcoming glasses will reportedly emphasize voice control and AI-driven functions, integrating tightly with iPhone services and Apple’s growing ecosystem of on-device intelligence.

SHIFTING STRATEGY IN THE AI ERA

The move highlights Apple’s broader push to catch up in artificial intelligence, an area where competitors such as Google and Meta have been more aggressive.

At Apple’s September product launch event, the company introduced new iPhones and a slimmer iPhone Air, but industry analysts noted the absence of major AI announcements, raising questions about Apple’s roadmap in the rapidly evolving AI market.

By contrast, Google’s Gemini-powered Pixel phones and Meta’s AI-integrated wearables have taken the spotlight in the consumer AI space.

When contacted by Reuters, Apple declined to comment on the report.

If the timeline holds, Apple’s shift could mark a major strategic pivot from mixed reality to wearable AI, positioning its smart glasses as a potential successor — not just a companion — to the iPhone.

Samsung Develops AR Headset with Head-Mounted Display, Patent Reveals

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Samsung’s entry into the augmented reality (AR) space appears to be taking shape, as recent patent filings shed new light on the company’s plans for a head-mounted AR headset. The patent document, which surfaced through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database, suggests that Samsung is developing a device that will run on its proprietary operating system. The AR headset is also expected to feature a Qualcomm chip, marking a significant collaboration between the two companies. This upcoming mixed reality headset will likely compete with established players in the AR space, such as Meta, HTC, and Magic Leap, bringing similar functionalities to the market.

Innovative Head-Mounted AR Device
The patent, titled “Wearable Device for Displaying Visual Object for Adjusting Visibility of Virtual Object,” details a head-mounted device (HMD) designed to provide immersive AR experiences. The device is expected to have a built-in display, enabling users to view both virtual and real-world objects simultaneously. Samsung’s focus on blending virtual elements with the real environment suggests that the device could offer a highly interactive experience, potentially transforming how users interact with digital content in their physical surroundings.

The Role of Qualcomm in the Project
Samsung’s collaboration with Qualcomm is a noteworthy aspect of the patent, as it points to the use of a Qualcomm chip in powering the headset’s operations. This partnership could lead to improved performance and efficiency, especially as Qualcomm’s chips are known for their strong capabilities in handling AR and mixed-reality applications. The use of a dedicated chip would help Samsung optimize the headset’s processing power, providing smoother experiences and supporting a wide range of augmented reality applications.

Samsung’s Move Into Mixed Reality
This patent filing signifies Samsung’s commitment to entering the competitive AR and mixed-reality market. As companies like Meta have already established their own AR ecosystems, Samsung’s headset could offer an exciting alternative, leveraging its expertise in display technology and mobile devices. While details are still scarce, the anticipated AR headset could be a game-changer for the industry, offering consumers a new way to engage with both virtual and real-world environments. As more information becomes available, it will be interesting to see how Samsung positions this device against its competitors and what unique features it will bring to the table.